A new version of the Right Route: Right Care campaign has been launched in a bid to promote awareness around when health concerns can be addressed in community pharmacy rather than A&E.

The campaign, which is headed by Pfizer and Pharmacy Voice, uses a ‘traffic light’ system to demonstrate that pharmacists are a good source of general health advice in the community and can help address many minor ailments. Materials available for pharmacy teams include an implementation guide, posters and information leaflets.

Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice, said: “This winter just passed has shown once again that A&E departments face overwhelming demand and we need to start to change behaviour to help ensure a sustainable national health service. We need to help educate people so they can choose the most appropriate healthcare service. This is why we are very happy to support the Pfizer Healthy Partnerships Right Route: Right Care campaign which champions just that.

“Community pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare provider, a pharmacist is a qualified healthcare professional with five years of training and is always on-site to offer treatment and advice. Many community pharmacies also have extended hours and weekend opening.”