Younger people are more likely to use A&E to access health advice than older people, according to a survey commissioned by the Proprietary Association of Great Britain.

While 18-24 year-olds are more likely than other age groups to use Google and NHS Choices to search for health information, 42 per cent  claim to be regular users of A&E for advice, compared to 20 per cent of people aged 55 years and over. But only 52 per cent of younger people use community pharmacy for advice, compared to 65 per cent of the 55 and overs.

To provide healthcare professionals with practical solutions to help people to self care, PAGB is again sponsoring the Self Care Forum’s Annual Self Care Conference on November 11. The conference is timed to take place just before the start of Self Care Week (November 16-22), which aims to highlight how people can better look after their own physical health and mental wellbeing and the steps that can be taken to help prevent avoidable conditions.

PAGB chief executive John Smith said: “At the conference we will be hearing about how pharmacies such as Green Light have successfully implemented a self care strategy by supporting their customers to make decisions about their own health and wellbeing. Green Light’s innovative approach sees them working closely with local GPs, providing clinical services such as vaccinations, stop smoking services and health check MOTs, as well as private consultation areas."