As the warmer weather brings more time outdoors, there is a surge in minor conditions that can be seen more quickly, safely and effectively by a pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment, freeing up GP appointments for patients who need them most.

Think pharmacy first and make use of over 200 pharmacies across Devon for advice, treatment, and over-the-counter medications.

Rob Skornia, superintendent pharmacist in Okehampton, said: “Insect bites, sore throats and skin irritations are among the most common reasons people seek medical help in summer. Pharmacies are well equipped to deal with these issues on the spot, with no appointment needed.

“By choosing to think pharmacy first this summer, you can get treated faster and you can help reduce pressure on our busy GP practices and emergency departments.”

Four in five people in England can reach a community pharmacy within a 20-minute walk and there are twice as many pharmacies in the most deprived communities, making access to care quicker and more convenient.

Under the pharmacy first service, trained pharmacists can provide consultations, treatments and where necessary prescription medication for a range of conditions, including:

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
• shingles (aged 18 years and over)

If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice and support decisions about self-care treatment with over-the-counter medicines, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.

People can still choose to visit a GP if they wish to. Pharmacy first offers alternative access for these seven conditions, and we encourage people to make the most of this service and to consult the highly trained professionals in their local pharmacy.

You can find out where your nearest pharmacy by using the NHS find a pharmacy website.