Listen: Get the care you need quicker: visit a pharmacy first

Local pharmacists are reminding residents about the benefits of visiting their pharmacy first
to get help for their health.

There are 193 pharmacies across mid and south Essex, offering residents expert advice to
help them manage a range of illnesses and give advice on medicines. Most of these
pharmacies are also now offering ‘Pharmacy First’ services, which enable patients to receive
care and treatment where necessary for minor illnesses and seven common health
conditions, without needing a GP appointment.

The trend of visiting a pharmacy first for minor health concerns is growing, with around 3,000
people per month in mid and south Essex self-referring to community pharmacies. Over
2,000 people per month are being signposted to these services from GP practices.

Aston spoke to Sofiea Azad, Clinical Pharmacist Lead in Doddinghurst, near Brentwood.