A NEW campaign encouraging people to put pharmacists first when they need help with minor medical problems has been launched.

A film, featuring a leading Berkshire West health manager, has been released which highlights the range of professional healthcare advice available from local chemists.

It's aimed at encouraging people to make pharmacists their first port of call if they are suffering from everyday ailments like coughs, tummy trouble, sore throats and itchy eyes.

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Reading Chronicle:

The film was launched yesterday (January 20) to tie in with a national NHS promotion around pharmacists and features Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group’s Associate Director of Medicines Optimisation, Sanjay Desai.

It comes in the wake of national figures showing 27 per cent of GP appointments could be treated elsewhere with 18 million cases through self care and advice from a pharmacist.

Speaking about the role of pharmacists in healthcare, Mr Desai said: “Everyone has quick and easy access to a local pharmacist – usually on the same day and for seven days a week.

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"They are highly trained and many have private rooms for people to discuss their concerns.

“Many GPs tell us they are having appointments with people who really could have had their concerns dealt with by a pharmacist.

"And of course, the pressures on our local hospitals are considerable and are particularly heavy over the winter time."

He continued: “By seeking advice from a pharmacist, people can do a lot to help the NHS ease pressures on its services and staff, freeing up their time to deal with more serious medical problems."