Parents are being told to consult pharmacists first when their child has a minor illness.

A new campaign is calling for families to use their pharmacy to free up GP time for sicker patients.

The ‘Stay Well Pharmacy’ campaign comes following an NHS study which shows only five percent of parents with under-5s would visit a high street pharmacist.

This is despite three-quarters of adults knowing pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals.

Thirty percent of people surveyed as part of the campaign find it difficult to speak privately with a pharmacist, while 26 percent feel they would need a GP anyway so go there directly.

Rita Ghelani, a Barnet pharmacist, said: “I’ve been a pharmacist for over 20 years and I’m proud to be one.

“On a daily basis, I’m treating and advising on a whole range of minor health concerns, but sadly not enough people are coming to pharmacy teams when they are feeling under the weather as there seems to be a misconception about the level of service that we can offer.

“So, I’m pleased this Stay Well Pharmacy campaign has launched, hopefully it will encourage people to visit us first next time they have a minor health concern.”

Self-treatable conditions like coughs and tummy aches cost the NHS more than £850 million a year.