Health leaders in Humber and North Yorkshire are urging people with minor illnesses to 'Think Pharmacy First' this winter.

The scheme, launched earlier this year, enables patients to receive treatment for seven common conditions directly from their community pharmacy, bypassing the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

Pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, to treat the following seven conditions: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Ability to prescribe depends upon the age of the patient - for example, earache medicines can be prescribed for those aged 1 to 17.

Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board's executive director for clinical and professional, said: "Nearly every pharmacy in our area – almost 300 – is signed up to deliver Pharmacy First services, giving people easy and convenient access to advice and treatment for a number of common health conditions, without needing to see a GP.

"Pharmacies are also playing an increasingly vital role in self-care, with expert advice and guidance and a wide range of over-the-counter products for minor, short-term illnesses, as well as important services like providing emergency contraception, vaccinations, and medication reviews."

Katy Tennyson, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB's community pharmacy clinical lead, added: "Local pharmacy teams are highly skilled and well equipped to provide convenient clinical care, including treatment for common illnesses, and work closely with GPs and other local healthcare teams to make sure patients get the best possible care."

Nearby pharmacies can be located with the help of the website www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy

Full details regarding the Pharmacy First scheme are available at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help