Pharmacy First Spotlight: Treating Winter Woes in Esh Winning and Beyond

Sore Throat, Earache, or Cough? The North East Pharmacy First Scheme is Your Fastest Answer.

As the weather cools down across the North East, common ailments like sore throats, colds, and minor infections start to circulate. When you feel unwell, your first thought might be to call your GP, but did you know that your local Riverview Pharmacy in Esh Winning can often provide the expert advice and treatment you need much faster?

We are proud participants in the NHS Pharmacy First Scheme. This vital service allows our highly trained pharmacists to assess and treat seven common conditions, providing a quicker route to recovery without waiting for a doctor's appointment.

What is the Pharmacy First Scheme?

Pharmacy First means you can walk into Riverview Pharmacy and consult with a pharmacist for certain common, non-serious conditions. If you're eligible, the pharmacist can give you advice, treatment, or, if needed, medicine that would previously have required a prescription from your doctor.

The scheme is designed for speed and convenience, reducing pressure on GP surgeries and getting you the care you need immediately. Crucially, if you do not pay for your prescriptions, any medication supplied under this service is often provided free of charge.

Common Winter Ailments We Treat

If you live in or around Esh Winning, here are the core conditions we can assess and treat under the Pharmacy First scheme this winter:

• Sore Throat: We can assess the severity and provide appropriate pain relief or treatment to soothe your symptoms.

• Earache: For specific age groups, we can check for simple ear infections and recommend treatments.

• Sinusitis: Persistent headaches and facial pain related to blocked sinuses can be assessed, and effective decongestant advice or treatment can be provided.

• Infected Insect Bites: Although less common in winter, if a bite becomes infected, we can offer local treatment advice.

• Minor Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): For women aged 16–64 who have symptoms of a uncomplicated UTI, we can offer assessment and treatment.

• Impetigo: This highly contagious skin infection can be treated with topical antibiotics supplied by your pharmacist.

• Shingles: We can offer assessment and treatment for acute cases of shingles.

Why Choose Your Pharmacist First?

1. Speed and Accessibility: No need to book an appointment. You can walk straight into our Riverview Pharmacy branch and often be seen immediately.

2. Expert Advice: Our pharmacists are clinical experts in medicines and minor illness management. We ensure you get the right treatment and advice the first time.

3. Convenience: Save time, avoid travel, and get back to feeling better sooner.

Remember: While we can treat a wide range of minor issues, your safety is our priority. If you have severe symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or symptoms that worsen significantly, you should still seek immediate medical help from a GP or A&E.