NHS Gloucestershire reminded residents to use NHS 111 or visit local pharmacies for non-life-threatening conditions, following an extremely busy day at Gloucestershire’s hospitals on Monday, April 13.

Emergency Departments in Gloucestershire were reported to be very busy throughout the day, prompting the health service to remind residents to “click or call first”.

An NHS spokesperson said: “Specialist staff at the Emergency Departments in Gloucester and Cheltenham are very busy today supporting those who are seriously unwell.

“We can guide you on the best and most timely option to meet your needs. NHS 111 is supported by a local doctor-led assessment service and can book you into other NHS services if needed.”

The service’s message was similar to that of its “Think Pharmacy First” campaign which was launched in January 2024. The campaign aimed to get people to use the pharmacy services, rather than the hospital, if they were able.

After a year of the campaign’s launch, data suggested it had a positive impact on patients and local health services.

Dr Hein Le Roux, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Gloucestershire, previously said: “We welcome Pharmacy First as it offers patients quick and convenient access to advice and treatment for these conditions.

“It also helps reduce the pressure on busy GP surgery teams, freeing up appointments for patients with more complex needs, who really need their care.”

Treatments and medicines from local pharmacies include those for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

The NHS said community pharmacy teams are highly skilled and qualified healthcare professionals with years of training and study, allowing them to give health advice.

More details about the campaign and how pharmacies can help with some conditions can be found online.