Doctors are urging patients to visit their pharmacist at the first signs of an illness this winter, after it was revealed that many are unaware of the expert healthcare advice they offer.

Visitors at a local hospital were asked whether they had considered visiting their pharmacist to discuss minor concerns – such as troublesome colds and flu, sore throats and earache, as well as stop smoking services and management of common long-term conditions.

However, many visitors believed they could only collect a prescription or purchase over the counter medications.

Find your nearest pharmacy here.