Not many people know...

[SingingInTheRainstorm]

That in your local area you should have pharmacies that can provide medication, by a trained pharmacist, for minor illnesses.
So thrush, cystitis, sinus problems, nappy rash, colic, colds, flu, tummy bugs, can all be treated by dropping into the pharmacy. If the treatment is for a baby, you get it for free. The same if you're exempt or have the pre-pay cert.
They can give calpol & ibropufen in liquid form, plus linctus for coughs, as an example. Which helps out parents who struggle with money. They may not give you calpol, it might be a generic brand that's the same.
There's lots of minor ailments they can help with. It saves you having to go to the Doctors. They have a consulting room so you can have privacy, instead of letting the shop know you have thrush.
Some people might know about this but not everyone does. They can give you peace of mind and rehydration sachets for tummy bugs.
So much easier than having to beg a receptionist for an appointment at 8am after redialling 20 times.

Ah such a great scheme on the face of it for families who struggle financially. Sadly and utterly abused system which sees our already fit to burst NHS put under further pressure by people feeling entitled to 'free' meds when they can well afford to pay for it. It's been around for about a decade I think.

I like your encouragement of asking people to visit the Pharmacist instead of the GP for minor ailments. However, I would hope no-one would request free calpol etc. it costs the NHS a fortune for a medicine that is relatively cheap.

By all means take the advice from the pharmacist but then please do ask for the (usually much cheaper) pharmacist alternative to calpol rather than getting the NHS to pay for it.

I love my pharmacist.they are my first call when someone is ill.
I don't even bother trying to get an appointment with my doctor any more.no point as they are always so busy.

Yeah this is a great thing actually. My two year old DD has a rash all over her face. I'm going to wander along to the pharmacy with her tomorrow to see what they think, before I bother the doctor with it (she's totally fine in herself and it's not bothering her)

@wellitwouldbenice have you tried mannose D? Fantastic remedy for recurrent cystitis sufferers, stopped a10 year cycle of pain and antibiotics for a friend of mine. Google it and see what you think.

Thanks OP - good to remember.

My niece got some emergency contraception at ours. My uncle had stop smoking treatment and my friend got thrush treatment. Great places , pharmacists. My local one is brilliant.