The people of Norfolk and Waveney are invited to ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ this week <5 to 12 November 2012> as part of a wider awareness campaign to help people manage their own health better. 

During the week the public are being encouraged to get in touch via NHS Norfolk and Waveney’s Twitter account @NHSNorfolk – or @NHSGYW in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney are – where two dedicated pharmacists will be waiting to answer those burning health questions.

Sunil Sharma, from Boots pharmacy on Hall Road in Norwich, has been a pharmacist for 30 years, manages a team of 18 and has been a pre-registration tutor for ten years.

Guppy Kular, from Mott’s Pharmacy in Reepham, studied at the University of Portsmouth and qualified in 2004. Having done relief and locum work in various places he now owns and manages his own pharmacy.

Both Sunil and Guppy are members of the Local Pharmaceutical Committee who are supporting NHS Norfolk and Waveney’s ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ Twitter campaign.

The week is being celebrated as part of Choose Well, a national campaign to encourage people to choose the NHS services most appropriate for their illness or ailment.

Self care is the best option if you have a common complaint such as a cough, cold, upset stomach, aches, sprains and sprains. Your high street pharmacy can give you expert advice without an appointment.

Pharmacies also offer support to make healthy lifestyle choices through support to quit smoking, lose weight and be more physically active.

Ian Small, Deputy Head of Prescribing at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “There is a lot people can do to care for themselves when they have common health complaints, without needing to go to a GP. Some people seem to forget that pharmacists are highly qualified health professionals as well.

“Your high street pharmacy can offer advice on the best medicines to take for your current health issue, and it is worth talking to them about medicine cabinet essentials.”

‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ week is a national drive by the National Pharmaceutical Association to raise awareness of what pharmacies have to offer.
Pharmacists must complete a four-year Master of Pharmacy degree and one year’s practical training before they can register with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Ian added: “The best thing about pharmacies is that they are located in the community. In England, 99% of people are never more than a 20 minutes drive from a pharmacy – they are easily accessible and you don’t need an appointment.

“They treat everything in confidence and most have private rooms for more sensitive or personal issues.”

More information about Choose Well, including advice on finding your nearest pharmacy, can be found at www.norfolk.nhs.uk.