With growing pressures on surgeries and A&E, a Braintree pharmacy is urging people to think twice before visiting their doctor.

 

Staff at Braintree Pharmacy in Great Square will be using a giant lollipop sign urging people to stop and ask their pharmacist about minor ailments before visiting their GP or A&E.

They have joined the nationwide Ask Your Pharmacist campaign after statistics revealed that about 50 million people visit their GP with coughs, colds, mild eczema and athletes foot for example, each year.

Pharmacist Sandra Aina said: “Many people don’t realise their local pharmacy can support with a number of minor ailments.

“We’re asking people to visit their local pharmacy as a first port of call.

“Children’s fever, coughs and colds, ear ache and sprains are just some of the ailments we can offer expert advice and treatment for.”