Why a Cornish fisherman is now a Pharmacy First ambassador

Nigel Taylor spends his working days at sea, where booking a GP appointment is somewhere between awkward and impossible. That practical problem is now at the centre of an NHS summer campaign asking people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to think differently about where they go first when something small goes wrong.

Local voices leading the campaign

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon have launched a network of Pharmacy First Ambassadors for summer 2026, recruiting local people to spread the message through their own communities.

The ambassadors include fishermen, parents with young children, older residents and members of the LGBTQ+ community, sharing their own voices and experiences to encourage others to use Pharmacy First for common health concerns.

Nigel Taylor, a fisherman and one of the ambassadors, said: “I’m proud to be a Pharmacy First Ambassador. Busy days at sea can mean making time to see my own GP is difficult, so knowing I can visit my local pharmacist for help with common conditions is invaluable.”

The campaign was officially launched at Stithians Show on Monday 13 July by Nigel and Amanda Fidelis, clinical lead pharmacist for NHS Cornwall.

What Pharmacy First actually covers

There are more than 90 community pharmacies across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and more than 200 across Devon. Almost all of them offer the Pharmacy First service, which means a private consultation and, where appropriate, prescription-only medication without a GP appointment.

The service covers seven conditions:

• Earache (children aged 1 to 17)
• Infected insect bites (aged 1 and over)
• Impetigo (aged 1 and over)
• Shingles (aged 18 and over)
• Sinusitis (aged 12 and over)
• Sore throat (aged 5 and over)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)

Pharmacies are often open evenings and weekends, and no appointment is needed.

Summer brings its own health problems

Warmer weather brings a rise in dehydration, sunburn, hay fever and insect bites, most of which can be dealt with quickly at a pharmacy counter.

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Place and Transformation Officer at NHS Cornwall, said: “Our new Pharmacy First Ambassadors are helping us connect with communities in a more meaningful way this summer. By working with people who understand local lives, from our coastal and rural industries to families and community groups, we can build greater confidence in choosing the right care.

“Whether you live locally or are visiting, the quickest way to get advice and treatment for many common summer health problems is to visit a pharmacy. Before heading to A&E, contacting your GP or calling NHS 111, think Pharmacy First. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can assess symptoms, provide treatment where appropriate, and advise if you need more urgent care.”

Amanda Fidelis said pharmacists can help with minor infections, self-care advice and staying safe in hot weather. “By making use of Pharmacy First, patients can access timely support without needing to wait for a GP appointment, helping them enjoy a healthier and safer summer.”

Reaching every community

Cornwall Pride is among the partners helping carry the message to LGBTQ+ communities across the county.

Chief Executive Officer Matthew Kenworthy Gomes said: “We’re really pleased to be part of this year’s NHS Cornwall summer campaign. Visibility and representation are so important, especially when it comes to health and wellbeing. By sharing these messages and seeing people from our communities involved, we can help ensure everyone feels included, informed and confident about accessing the care they need.”

Beyond the seven conditions

Pharmacists also offer blood pressure checks, emergency contraception and advice on heat rash. If you run out of regular medication, at home or on holiday, your own GP can send a prescription electronically to a local pharmacy for collection. And if a pharmacist thinks you need more than they can provide, they can refer you on.

Full details are available on the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Pharmacy First page.