A ‘fast track’ health programme has been started with GP surgeries working with pharmacists across north London to combat viruses evolving during the winter months, with new strains emerging that could hit vulnerable people such as the elderly.
“Preventative measures are crucial to safeguard our health and those around us,” Oak Lodge surgery nurse Huma Devraj said. “This is to help reduce the spread of illness in vulnerable populations especially for anyone eligible for flu, Covid or RSV vaccinations.”
Doctors and pharmacists are being featured in an NHS programme called ‘Your Local Health Team’ to give health services “that human feel”, to be in touch with real people rather than just recorded voices telling you which option on a phone menu to select.
The programme was set up in October by the North Central London Integrated Care Board to integrate the NHS with local authorities and voluntary organisations in the north London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington.
Dr Jo Sauvage, the care board’s chief officer and a Barnet GP, said: “We want to help everyone get the right care and make informed choices whether through their GP practice, high street pharmacy, dialling 111 or using the NHS App.”
GP practices are now working with high street pharmacists to take the strain off patients having to wait for surgery appointments.
Hayley Dawson, a GP at Oak Lodge surgery in Burnt Oak, said: “Local pharmacists are part of the NHS team as well — they give advice and treat minor illnesses without needing a GP appointment.”
Community pharmacies now offer easy access to medications and health advice direct.
Pharmacist Nabeel Patel in Tottenham said: “People might not realise the range of services available in pharmacies, from health screenings to vaccinations. It can be a convenient choice for managing your health.”
Pharmacists are now seen as part of the NHS frontline team giving over-the-counter advice and treating minor illness without needing a GP appointment.
