People in Allerdale can now use their pharmacies for more help and advice.
Twenty-three pharmacies are part of the Community Pharmacy Minor Ailment Scheme, working with NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, to improve access to medication to treat minor ailments.
Pharmacies can provide health advice to anyone without the need for an appointment.
Dr Niall McGreevy, the commissioning group's lead GP for Allerdale, said: "This new improved way of working will
reduce demand for GP appointments and makes the best use of the health resources we have.
"Pharmacists are highly trained health care professionals who are able to offer free advice and guidance on many minor ailments."
Mathew Edwards, pharmacist at Seaton Pharmacy, said: "Pharmacies are increasingly becoming the first port of call for people seeking professional advice or treatment for minor ailments.
"It will widen access to medicines and ensure that patients get the treatment they require without placing an unnecessary burden on local surgeries and other services.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here