No one likes to get ill over the festive period – so we’ve published a handy list of pharmacies that are open across Greater Manchester on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Pharmacists (or chemists) are healthcare professionals who can give you expert advice on treating minor illnesses and injuries including:
- coughs, colds and sore throats
- tummy upsets
- aches and pains
- earache, skin rashes
- baby teething
- nappy rash
- emergency contraception (not provided by all pharmacies)
They can also recommend over-the-counter medicines.
No need to wait for a GP appointment
Under NHS Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can also assess and, where appropriate, supply prescription-only treatment for these seven common conditions you would usually need to see a GP for.
The conditions that can be treated are:
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
The pharmacist will assess you and give either advice, treatment (if clinically appropriate) or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional if needed.
If you are not in the age ranges above, a pharmacist can still offer advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.
Tom, a pharmacist in Chortlon, explains talks about Pharmacy First and the conditions that can be treated.
Visit our Pharmacy First page for more information.
Visit NHS England’s website for more information about NHS Pharmacy services.
Find a pharmacy open on the Bank Holidays
