Community pharmacists from across Sussex say: Make your local pharmacy your first stop for healthcare this winter
As the colder weather sets in and coughs, sore throats and sniffles start to spread, local pharmacists across Sussex are ready to help.
Pharmacists are trained experts in managing minor illnesses such as sore throats, sinusitis, earache and tummy troubles, and can provide expert clinical advice and treatment without the need for an appointment.
Across Sussex there are 286 community pharmacies providing accessible healthcare close to home. In July alone, 8,599 patients were seen in a community pharmacy for one of the seven common conditions covered by the Pharmacy First service, helping to free up GP appointments for people with more complex needs.
Since January 2024, patients have been able to get treatment for seven common conditions at their high-street pharmacy without needing to see a GP. Pharmacists can offer advice on a wide range of winter illnesses including coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains. They can also advise on medicines, how to use them, potential side effects and any other questions people may have. If a pharmacist cannot help directly, they can refer patients to a GP or another healthcare professional.
Most pharmacies can provide prescription medicines for certain conditions without needing a GP appointment as part of Pharmacy First. These conditions include:
Conditions they can offer prescription medicine for are:
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
If someone is not in the eligible age range, the pharmacist can still offer advice and suggest suitable over-the-counter treatments, and may recommend a GP appointment if needed. When a patient attends with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer advice, treatment or referral to another professional if required. The pharmacy will also update the patient’s GP record, but personal information is not shared with anyone else.
Pharmacy services have expanded further this year. Emergency hormonal contraception (sometimes called the morning-after pill) is now available free of charge in high-street pharmacies without the need for a GP appointment or sexual health clinic. Many pharmacies can also provide consultations and repeat supplies of the oral contraceptive pill and offer support to anyone needing confidential advice about contraception options in a private consultation room. People newly prescribed antidepressants can access support and follow-up guidance from their local pharmacist to help with concerns, side effects and healthy lifestyle advice.
Brijesh Thaker, pharmacist at Coldean Pharmacy, said: "Pharmacy First has really changed the way people can access healthcare. We can now assess symptoms, provide treatment and medication straight away, and only refer to a GP if it is really needed. At this time of year we see a lot of colds, sore throats, chesty coughs and skin infections, and people are often surprised to learn that we can help with many of these issues right here in the pharmacy. It is quicker for patients and helps the NHS focus on those who need more complex care."
Bruce Wallace, pharmacist at Ashington Pharmacy, added: "As we head into winter, your local pharmacy is also the best place to get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations. We offer advice on which vaccines you are eligible for, how they can protect you, and what to expect. Do not be afraid to ask questions, whether it is about vaccinations, medicines or general health concerns. We are here to help and make sure you get trusted, professional advice close to home."
Mary Boaitey-Genfi, pharmacist at East Grinstead, said: "Pharmacists are trained to spot 'red flag symptoms' where there might be a more serious underlying condition requiring further investigation.
"If we see something concerning, we will signpost people to the right healthcare professional or make formal referrals into NHS care pathways. For NHS services, convenient access to medicines, support for healthy living, and prompt clinical advice, we are here to help. It is also a good idea to check your home medicine cabinet at this time of year and make sure you have the basics you might need for common winter illnesses, and that everything is in date.
"Support is also available for people who need advice or supplies related to contraception or emergency contraception, and pharmacies can offer this safely, confidentially and without judgement."
Rachna Chhatralia, Superintendent Pharmacist for Day Lewis, said: "Community pharmacies are at the heart of local healthcare, and their services have expanded significantly over recent years. I like to think people trust us partly because of our place at the heart of the community, as well as our medical knowledge and skills.
"It is also increasingly understood that we are part of the wider NHS team, working together to provide a safe and effective service. Most of the time, the pharmacy team can give you the advice and treatment you need right there, but when necessary, we will refer you to a doctor or nurse for further help."
If you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can book a free NHS flu-vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App (if you are aged 18 or over), or find a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu vaccination where you can walk in and get vaccinated without an appointment (if you are aged 18 or over). You can also book flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccinations through the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119.