Pharmacies Offering Advice and Treatment for Summer Health Issues in Cornwall

Advice for Common Summer Health Concerns

With hot weather sweeping across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly this week, residents and visitors are being reminded that their local pharmacy should be the first stop for help with common summer health problems.

Warmer temperatures often bring seasonal issues such as dehydration, sunburn and insect bites that can sometimes become infected. While many of these can be prevented through self-care – such as using sun cream, drinking plenty of water and wearing a hat – pharmacies can offer further advice and treatments when needed.

Over 90 Pharmacies Ready to Help

Cornwall’s network of more than 90 community pharmacies is on hand to provide expert advice and treatments for a wide range of illnesses. Most can be accessed by simply walking in.

Chief medical officer, Dr Chris Reid, said:

“If you are visiting Cornwall or are a local resident the quickest way to get medical advice and treatment for many summer ailments is by visiting a local pharmacy.

Before thinking about visiting a hospital, calling your GP or NHS111, think Pharmacy First. Pharmacists are easily accessible and can offer expert advice on a range of illnesses, giving advice about medicines, or suggesting over the counter treatments for a range of illnesses including common summer issues like allergies, insect bites and sunburn.

Pharmacists can also advise you on whether you need to see a doctor or other health care professional more urgently.”

Pharmacy First Service Available Across Cornwall

All pharmacies in Cornwall offer the Pharmacy First service, providing private consultations and prescription medicine (if required) for seven common conditions without the need to see a GP or make an appointment:

• Earache for children (ages 1 to 17)

• Sinusitis (age 12 and over)

• Sore throat (age 5 and over)

• Infected insect bite (age 1 and over)

• Impetigo (age 1 and over)

• Shingles (age 18 and over)

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (for women ages 16 to 64)

Many pharmacies also have private consultation rooms and longer opening hours, including evenings and weekends, making them a quicker option than GP surgeries in many cases.

Finding a Local Pharmacy in Cornwall

Anyone who runs out of medication can contact their registered GP to arrange for a prescription to be sent electronically to a local pharmacy.

To find a pharmacy and check opening times, visit the NHS website.