Pharmacists 'can give winter illness advice'
Wednesday 11th November 2009
People in the Somerset and Yeovil area are being urged to turn to those in pharmacy jobs for health advice.
A new campaign by NHS Somerset and Yeovil District Hospital, entitled Choose Well, is aimed at helping residents receive appropriate treatment for their needs.
Locum pharmacists and hospital pharmacists are among those who can assist with common winter ailments by offering advice on the best medicines.
Dr Donal Hynes, chairman of the Professional Executive Committee at NHS Somerset, said patients can save themselves time and effort by ensuring they receive the right level of treatment.
He added that doing so can also help alleviate the burden on emergency services so their efforts can be concentrated on those who are critically ill.
Dewald Behrens, the clinical director for accident and emergency at Yeovil District Hospital, added that while most patients who attend the hospital's A&E department have come to the right place, this is not always the case.
"On occasions some patients may be better served by taking advantage of other NHS services nearer their home such as their GP … or by seeking advice from a pharmacist or from NHS Direct," he commented.
According to the hospital's website, around 40,000 patients are treated at its A&E department every year.
Written by James Puckle
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