The dark days of January are behind us, however people across the county are still being encouraged to Choose Well if they have a cough or cold during the chilly days of February.

Richard Hodgson, NHS Suffolk’s senior pharmacist said: “At this time of year coughs and colds are common. In the search for treatment, your pharmacist should be your first port of call rather than your GP. A pharmacist can give prompt and professional advice, and may provide you with over-the-counter medicines to help your condition.”

The call to see your pharmacist is part of NHS Suffolk’s Choose Well campaign. The initiative aims to help people find the most appropriate care for their condition, whether it is a cough and a cold or a broken bone.

The Choose Well campaign has already proved a big success with more people than before knowing what to do when they or a family member is ill.*

Choose well options

1. The first option is self care – many minor illnesses can be treated with rest and a well-stocked medicines cabinet at home. Make sure you have your regular medicines, dressings, medicines for colds, re-hydration sachets etc. If you have any concerns you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or ask your pharmacist.

2. Pharmacists will be able to offer you advice about common winter conditions like coughs and colds, other minor illnesses and injuries, over-the-counter medicines and your prescription medicines.

3. Remember that the out of hours doctor service is for urgent problems only – can it wait until morning?

4. If you need to be seen immediately but you do not have a serious illness or injury, you can visit one of the minor injuries units in Ipswich, Haverhill and Felixstowe.

Pharmacy opening times can be found on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk, or you can call NHS Direct for details of pharmacy services available in your area on 0845 46 47.

*A survey carried out in January 2011 by NHS Suffolk to find out the impact of the Choose Well campaign, rolled out in partnership with local press and partners, indicated:


85% of respondents know the location of their nearest minor injuries unit ( 58% in March 2010)


60% know where to go if their child had a cut or sprain (16% in March 2010)


54% know what to do if they had a tummy ache (7% in March 2010)

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk