Help ease pressure on A&E

HEALTH bosses have appealed for patients to use the Pharmacy First scheme to ease “extreme pressures” on GPs and A&E.

Advice and medicines for common illnesses can be given without appointment and those who receive free prescriptions do not have to pay.

Dr David Clitherow, Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group’s urgent care lead, said: “Most ailments, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, aches and pains, can be self-treated and do not need antibiotics. 

“Your pharmacist can help provide you with the advice and over the counter medicines which will help relieve your symptoms.”

The advice is to self-care, visit your chemist or ring NHS 111 before making a doctor’s appointment.