As summer 2026 gets underway, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon are putting local people at the centre of their seasonal health campaign, launching a new network of Pharmacy First Ambassadors to help spread the message across communities.
From fishermen, parents with young children, older residents and members of the LGBTQ+ community, the Pharmacy First ambassadors will reflect the diversity of life by sharing their own voices and experiences. They will play a vital role in encouraging others to choose Pharmacy First for common health concerns, helping ensure the message reaches every corner of the region.
There are more than 90 community pharmacies across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and more than 200 across Devon, offering expert healthcare advice without the need for an appointment. Easy to access and often open evenings and weekends, pharmacies provide a convenient first step for many everyday conditions.
The campaign comes as rising temperatures bring an increase in seasonal health issues, including dehydration, sunburn, hay fever and insect bites, many of which can be treated quickly and effectively at a local pharmacy.
Pharmacy First Ambassador, fisherman, Nigel Taylor said: “I’m proud to be a Pharmacy First Ambassador. Busy days at sea can mean making time to see my own GP is difficult, so knowing I can visit my local pharmacist for help with common conditions is invaluable.”
Almost all pharmacies in the region offer the Pharmacy First service, meaning patients can access a private consultation and, where appropriate, receive prescription-only medication, without needing a GP appointment.
The service covers seven common conditions:
- Earache (children aged 1 to 17)
- Infected insect bites (aged 1 and over)
- Impetigo (aged 1 and over)
- Shingles (aged 18 and over)
- Sinusitis (aged 12 and over)
- Sore throat (aged 5 and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
NHS Cornwall’s Chief Place and Transformation Officer, Dr Chris Reid, said: “Our new Pharmacy First Ambassadors are helping us connect with communities in a more meaningful way this summer. By working with people who understand local lives, from our coastal and rural industries to families and community groups, we can build greater confidence in choosing the right care.
“Whether you live locally or are visiting, the quickest way to get advice and treatment for many common summer health problems is to visit a pharmacy. Before heading to A&E, contacting your GP or calling NHS 111, think Pharmacy First. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can assess symptoms, provide treatment where appropriate, and advise if you need more urgent care.”
As part of the campaign, Cornwall Pride is among the partners helping to amplify the message, ensuring it reaches LGBTQ+ communities across the county.
Cornwall Pride’s Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Kenworthy Gomes, said: “We’re really pleased to be part of this year’s NHS Cornwall summer campaign. Visibility and representation are so important, especially when it comes to health and wellbeing. By sharing these messages and seeing people from our communities involved, we can help ensure everyone feels included, informed and confident about accessing the care they need.”
The summer campaign was officially launched at Stithians Show, on Monday 13 July by Pharmacy First Ambassador, Nigel Taylor, and clinical lead pharmacist for NHS Cornwall, Amanda Fidelis.
Amanda said: “Community pharmacists play a vital role in helping people stay well during the summer months. As highly accessible healthcare professionals, we can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions through the Pharmacy First service, helping people get the care they need quickly and conveniently. Whether it’s managing minor infections, offering self-care advice, or supporting people to stay safe in hot weather, pharmacies are often the first place people can turn. By making use of Pharmacy First, patients can access timely support without needing to wait for a GP appointment, helping them enjoy a healthier and safer summer.”
Alongside encouraging people to think Pharmacy First, the campaign highlights the importance of simple self-care steps during the warmer months, such as staying hydrated, wearing suncream, and taking precautions in strong sunshine.
People can also visit their pharmacist for a wide range of other health needs, including blood pressure checks, emergency contraception and advice on heat rash, making them a highly accessible source of care during the busy summer months. Also, if you run out of regular medication, whether at home or on holiday, your own GP can arrange for prescriptions to be sent electronically to a local pharmacy for convenient collection.
If you do become unwell, pharmacies can also advise on next steps and refer you to other services if needed.
By combining practical advice with trusted local voices, the NHS hopes this year’s campaign will help more people access the right care, quickly, so residents and visitors can stay well and enjoy everything summer in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has to offer.
For fast, practical healthcare advice this summer, think Pharmacy First.
Pharmacy First – NHS Cornwall and Isles of ScillyPharmacy First Devon Cornwall Summer NHS Campaign
