A new television, radio and press campaign is being launched by Health Minster, Shaun Woodward today.
The campaign will focus on making better use of pharmacists for prescriptions for minor illnesses.
Mr Woodward said: "About a third of medicines being prescribed by doctors and GPs could actually be given by your pharmacist.
"Of course, anyone who needs to see a doctor or GP should still go. But for common minor ailments like a cold or sore throat, consider going to your pharmacist rather than automatically going to your GP. The average pharmacist will see you in under two minutes, with no appointment."
The Minister was keen to stress that anyone worried about their health should of course still see their GP. However, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wants to encourage those who have minor ailments to consider alternatives to their GP in the first instance.
The Minister said: "GPs and pharmacists can compliment each other. Your pharmacist will have good professional advice and of course can always refer you on for further advice or back to your GP."
The campaign also encourages the public to think twice before using Accident and Emergency services for routine health issues outside of normal working hours. The campaign will encourage the public to make more use of the phone before visiting and A&E department.
He said: "Outside of emergencies and when you need a doctor outside of usual appointment hours, and feel that it can't wait for an appointment, think about using the phone before going to visit A&E. A&E is there for emergencies."
In supporting the campaign community pharmacist Gerard Green said:
"Community pharmacists are skilled in the management of a range of ailments. We are readily accessible for patients, well placed within the communities. We can provide advice and where appropriate treatment and indeed referral to other specialist advice."
Also supporting the campaign, Dr Keith McCollum GP said: "For serious health concerns, health checks or advice, make an appointment with your GP. For more common, minor ailments like colds or sore throats you can ask your pharmacist for advice rather than wait for an appointment with your GP. If you become ill, outside normal GP surgery times and you think it cannot wait until the next day, phone the out of hours service. Phoning first is important as the majority of problems can be sorted with telephone advice. Accident & Emergency is really only for the most urgent or the most serious problems."
