NHS England launches their new ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign

Concerning this years ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign, NHS England has launched a rom-com, horror TV ad campaign called ‘Help Us, Help You – Get Seen To’ and three movie-inspired posters which will be displayed in health buildings including, GP practices and pharmacies. The marketing strategy, established by M&C Saatchi Worldwide, is primarily aimed at making the public aware that their first call for minor health problems, such as coughs, pains and itchy eyes should be community pharmacies, which provide private and free consultations. Also, the campaign which will last for 9 weeks, specifically stresses that community pharmacists can refer people to the A&E or a GP if required.

England’s Deputy Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Bruce Warner, stated: “The message from this advertising campaign is clear. Patients can get expert and swift clinical advice from their local pharmacist, and get their minor illness seen to straight away, helping alleviate pressure on busy GPs and A&Es this winter.”

Portfolio Pharmacist and Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society English Pharmacy Board, Brendon Jiang, stated: “The posters are certainly eye catching and a drastic departure from the typical posters of smiling healthcare professionals welcoming you into their care. While the posters demand attention and are clever with their healthcare twist on the classic B movie horror genre, I’m not sure how successful they will be in nudging the public to utilise pharmacy first for minor ailments or changing behaviors in the long term. In my view, pharmacists already possess the ability to do this themselves by providing excellent care and making the most of the community pharmacy consultation service.”