Many parents/guardians will often visit a pharmacy for help and advice when their child is ill. Community pharmacy is well placed to support parents due to the convenient opening hours and there being no need to book an appointment (unlike the GP). There are also the additional conditions that can now be seen under Pharmacy First or the Common Ailments Scheme that parents/guardians can make use of instead of having to go to the GP.

A pharmacy can build customer loyalty by offering sound advice and a friendly ear to parents/guardians. It is always important to listen and empathise with parents/guardians as having a sick child can be very stressful.

• Understand the common conditions that children suffer from
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of these conditions
• Recommend treatments and self-help techniques
• Summary and further reading
• Linking to a health promotion in pharmacy