Self Care

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What is self care?

Self care is about looking after yourself in a healthy way. It can be anything from doing some exercise, managing common conditions like headaches, coughs and colds or living with a long term health problem such as asthma or diabetes.

Why should I self care?

You can manage most common conditions at home with help from your local pharmacist without the need to see a GP.

You will ease the pressure on NHS services if you can manage the condition at home.

You can help free up some of your GP and nurse’s time making it easier to get an appointment when you have a more serious or complex condition.

You will help to reduce the amount spent by your local NHS on medicines that are available over the counter releasing resource to fund other health treatments.

Please visit the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group website for further information on self care.

This leaflet on self care will help with advice on what your pharmacist can do for you and what over the counter medicines you should keep at home.

NHS advice on what to keep in your medicine cabinet at home

NHS Guidelines for prescribing medicines for minor conditions have changed. If you visit your GP for any of the conditions listed in this leaflet you may be asked to visit your local pharmacy or supermarket to purchase the medicine rather than receiving a prescription.