NHS Norfolk is advising anyone going on holiday this Easter, to visit their community pharmacy first.

Pharmacists can offer help and advice on a range of conditions, to enable people to treat themselves. So, to ensure you make the most of your hols, don’t forget to pack a medical kit alongside your suitcase. Hopefully you won’t need it, but if you do you’ll be glad you were prepared.

Ian Small, deputy head of prescribing and medicines management at NHS Norfolk, said: “Easter is traditionally a time when many people take a holiday. Your local community pharmacy can offer valuable help and advice before you set off.

“Some of the less pleasant parts of a holiday, such as tummy upsets and travel sickness, may be helped by medicines available from your pharmacy. If you are travelling abroad it may be more difficult to locate appropriate medicines when you arrive at your destination.

“While you’re at home, make your pharmacist 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.

“They can also provide expert help and advice if you’re staying at home this Easter, and find yourself feeling unwell over the holiday.”

Chris Ball, of the Norfolk Local Pharmacy Committee and manager of Hurn Chemist in Unthank Road, Norwich, added: “We are keen to promote the varied services of community pharmacies. If the staff feel it appropriate they will refer patients to their GP, so if you need help remember to ask your pharmacist first.”

The call to see your pharmacist is part of NHS Norfolk’s “Choose Well” campaign. The initiative aims to help people find the most appropriate care for their condition.

A thermometer logo signposts the way:

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, plasters, medicines for colds, re-hydration sachets etc. If you have any concerns you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

2. Pharmacists will be able to offer you some advice about over-the-counter medicines – such as coughs and colds.

3. If you have a minor injury or illness that needs treatment you should call your GP. Remember the Out of Hours 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 access the Timber Hill Health Centre in Castle Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm) or the Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer from 8am-8pm. Both are open 365 days a year.

Ian Small added: “We want everyone to have a good break at Easter, and although nobody wants to fall ill on holiday, your community pharmacist can ensure that you’re prepared just in case.”

There are 119 community pharmacies across NHS Norfolk’s area. Pharmacy opening times can be found at www.norfolk.nhs.uk, 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.