Birmingham pharmacist urges public to seek winter illness advice without visiting A&E
NHS promotes faster options for non-emergency care like community pharmacies and NHS 111
A Birmingham community pharmacist is encouraging people to consider faster, alternative care for winter illnesses instead of visiting A&E or booking a GP appointment unnecessarily.
Malkit Singh, who serves the Birmingham area, is offering advice on how services like community pharmacies, NHS 111, the NHS App, and online GP forms can help manage non-emergency conditions more efficiently.
The appeal comes as new NHS figures reveal thousands of people across the country arrived at A&E last winter with minor complaints such as sore throats, blocked noses, and earache. Nearly half of the public, 45%, have already been affected by winter bugs this year, and 42% admit to turning up at A&E for non-emergency reasons, believing it would be quicker.
We spoke to Malkit about the what pharmacists can do for people this christmas:
"Pharmacy's are one of the only places you don't need an appointment"
"Pharmacy should be the first point of information"
Depending on the symptom's, pharmacy's can give treatment"
To address these challenges, the NHS has launched its ‘winter reset’ campaign. This includes a new short film titled 24 Hours Not in A&E, showcasing how various NHS services can provide quicker and more convenient care instead of overloading emergency departments.
Amanda, 40, from West Bromwich in Birmingham, shared her positive experiences with community pharmacies:
“It’s been reassuring to know I can visit my pharmacist for the ‘niggly’ things like sore throats and my son’s earache, without needing to book an appointment with my GP," Amanda said.
"I get seen right away and examined thoroughly and usually dealt with there and then. I really encourage everyone to use the service – it's been a life saver!”
Malkit Singh is available for interviews this Christmas to offer further advice on avoiding unnecessary A&E visits during the winter season.