Community pharmacists Leyla Hannbeck and Sanjay Ganvir have represented Pharmacy Voice and the community pharmacy sector in the ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign, launched recently by NHS England and Public Health England (PHE).

The campaign aims to educate the public about common winter conditions, and where to go to receive the most appropriate advice, with Leyla and Sanjay highlighting the importance of pharmacy first for winter ailments.

‘Stay Well This Winter’ urges the public to:

• Make sure they get a flu jab if eligible
• Keep warm – heat the home to least 18ºC or (65F) if possible
• If unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, get help from a pharmacist quickly before it gets more serious
• Make sure they get their prescription medicines before pharmacies close on Christmas Eve
• Always take prescribed medicines as directed
• Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra help over winter.

Speaking about the campaign, Leyla commented: “The NHS is under increasing strain, and we must ensure we make best use of all available resource and expertise, whether that be in pharmacy, general practice or elsewhere. The public are becoming more aware of the support and services available in community pharmacy, but we must still do all we can to make every contact count this winter.”

Sanjay added: “I’m really happy to support this campaign, and would encourage the public to visit their local pharmacy this winter, for free advice from a highly trained healthcare professional, without the need for an appointment.”

For more information about the campaign, visit nhs.uk/staywell.