Think Pharmacy First during hot weather in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

As the hot weather hits Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly this week, we’re reminding residents and visitors that their local pharmacy should be their first port of call for common summer health issues.

Warmer weather often brings specific health challenges, from dehydration and sunburn to insect bites that can become infected.

While most summer ailments can be kept at bay with self-care – from slapping on the sun cream (on top for Cornwall!), drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated and donning a hat to keep the sun off – there may be times when you need to get a little help from the community pharmacy team across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Our local network of more than 90 community pharmacies offer expert advice and treatments to help manage a range of illnesses. They’re easy to get to and you can just walk 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.”

Common conditions

All pharmacies in Cornwall offer the Pharmacy First service, where patients can receive private consultations and prescription medicine (if required) for 7 common conditions, without needing to see a GP or make an appointment. 

These are:

• Earache for children, for ages 1 to 17
• Sinusitis, for age 12 and over
• Sore throat, for age 5 and over
• Infected insect bite, for age 1 and over
• Impetigo, for age 1 and over
• Shingles, for age 18 and over
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections, for women ages 16 to 64

Many pharmacies have private consultation rooms and longer opening hours, including evenings and weekends, so it’s also often quicker than visiting a GP surgery.

Don’t forget if you run out of medication, you can contact your registered GP and arrange for a prescription to be sent electronically to a local pharmacy.

To get fast practical help without needing to see the GP – think Pharmacy First to stay well throughout the summer. 

Simply visit the NHS website to find a pharmacy to find locations and opening times near you.