HEALTH chiefs have called on people with a cold and bad cough to pop down to their pharmacy for quick health advice.

Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have encouraged people to attend their pharmacists rather than visit the doctor in a bid to reduce pressure on GPs.

Pharmacists can offer advice on conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach upset.

People can do this without needing to make an appointment and pharmacists will advise if further medical attention is needed.

Doctor Phil Huxley, chairman of East Lancashire CCG, said: “It’s easy to forget that our local pharmacists can provide expert guidance on how to help manage long-term conditions, or give advice on the best treatment for a cough or cold.

“It is essential though that older people seek help as soon as possible to prevent a trip to hospital if their condition gets worse."

People caring for or visiting an older friend or relative can also get early advice from their pharmacist or from www.nhs.uk/staywell if they are feeling under the weather.

Doctor Preeti Shukla, clinical lead at Blackburn with Darwen CCG, said: "No problem is too small for your local pharmacist, who is a highly trained and trusted source of health advice.”