Local residents are being urged to buy over-the-counter medicines to treat a range of minor common illnesses like coughs, colds, headaches, heartburn and indigestion.
Current NHS guidance urges GPs not to prescribe over-the-counter medicine – this ensures money saved can be spent on essential health services.
Instead, patients are advised to self-care to treat minor common illnesses which could include:
- Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, (out of the reach of children and pets).
- Seek advice from local community pharmacists on:
- Managing short-term illnesses and minor conditions
- Or use the NHS Pharmacy First Service
- People can see a pharmacist without an appointment, and many pharmacies are open late and at weekends.
- A pharmacist will advise people if their symptoms need the attention of another healthcare professionals such as a GP.
Visit the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West ICB (BOB ICB) ‘Stay Well’ website for more details on a full list of over-the-counter medicines people can buy to treat a range of common conditions and to view four short videos at Over the counter medicines – Stay Well.