Choose Well This Winter - your local pharmacy can help
The cold weather is here and in Southland there are 18 participating pharmacies ready to help people during winter.
The pharmacies are part of a government-funded programme to provide Minor Health Conditions Service that started on June 12 and ends on September 30.
As part of the new service, pharmacists can provide advice and medication if needed for some minor health conditions (acute diarrhoea, dehydration, eye inflammation and infections, scabies, headlice, pain and fever, eczema/dermatitis, and minor skin infections) at no cost to the patient.
The service is part of the Winter Plan, to help relieve pressure on general practice and hospital services in regions recognised as having consistent and persistent hospital flow challenges and wider system pressures.
The Unichem Riverton Pharmacy team, from left, Janene McIntyre, Alana West, Leanne Swann, Lisa Beatson (Pharmacist and co-owner) Jill Hodges and Katie Ronald.
Unichem Riverton Pharmacy co-owner Lisa Beatson says the service is a good initiative.
“It’s really important to remember that you can always speak to your local pharmacist for free health advice.”
Remembering to reach out to a participating pharmacy is a key message to help our community during winter as they can provide you and your whānau with trusted free advice, and if needed, treatment options for minor health conditions including medication.
Some of the Winton Pharmacy team, from left, Lyndon McStay (pharmacist), Barbara Shaw (retail manager), Madeleine Miles, Michelle Carleton, and Toni McKee (pharmacists).
In Winton, three generations of pharmacists have been helping Central Southland residents and are also part of the Minor Health Conditions Service.
The Winton Pharmacy is co-owned by Geoff and Michelle Carleton and their daughter Madeleine (Maddy) Miles.
Both of Maddy’s grandparents, her father and mother are pharmacists making her the third generation; and the family alongside their amazing team who love working in the heart of rural Southland.
Co-owner Madeleine Miles says the service is a positive step in winter wellness planning.
“It has broadened our reach to help people. People are also becoming more aware of how their local pharmacist can assist them,” she says.
The Minor Health Conditions Service is for:
- Children under 14 years of age
- Māori or Pacific Islanders
- Community Service Card holders
- Whānau members of a child with similar symptoms.
Reach out to a participating pharmacy today.
To get a full list of the Southland pharmacies participating and where they are located throughout the south go to:
Minor Health Conditions Service | Southern Health | He hauora, he kuru pounamu
Go Well This Winter.
Note: If it is an emergency, call 111 immediately.