Pharmacy services
Pharmacists are experts on medicines and how they work. They are qualified to give advice on all issues relating to health; from minor ailments to long term conditions such as diabetes and COPD. They can give you detailed advice on your medicine, provide treatment for common health problems and give advice for living a healthier lifestyle.
They can also save you a trip to your GP by providing over the counter medicines to treat minor ailments such as the common cold, coughs, aches, pains and stomach upsets, plus many more.
You can talk your pharmacist in confidence – even about the most personal symptoms – and you don’t need to make an appointment.
Other services include emergency hormonal contraception (the morning after pill), weight management, pregnancy testing, cholesterol checking, truss fittings, help to stop smoking many others.
Some pharmacies provide the Care at the Chemist scheme, Repeat Dispensing Service and Medicine Use Reviews (MUR).
Care at the Chemist
The Care at the Chemist scheme can treat a wider range of minor ailments and illnesses and in some cases, if you are usually exempt from prescription charges can provide the medication to treat these conditions free of charge and without a prescription from your doctor.
So, if you are aged 60 or over, 18 or under and in full-time education, are pregnant, have a long-term medical condition or on income support or other benefits, you may be able to obtain treatment for the conditions below free of charge. If you are not exempt, the standard prescription charge applies.
The following minor conditions can be treated through Care at the Chemist:
- Headache or earache
- Constipation of diarrhoea
- Temperature
- Teething / mouth ulcers
- Bites and stings
- Hay fever
- Conjunctivitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Haemorrhoids
- Indigestion, heart burn
- Tummy upset
- Coughs, sore throat
- Blocked nose
- Thrush
- Head lice
- Athletes foot
- Threadworms
- Cold sores
Please note that some patients are not suitable for treatment through Care at the Chemist and will be advised under some circumstances to see their GP for treatment. For more information, speak to your local pharmacist.
Click here to access a copy of the Care at the Chemist leaflet.
Repeat Dispensing
The Repeat Dispensing services allow you to collect your medication from your pharmacy every month for up to a year without needing to request your prescription from your GP. Some patients are not suitable for this service. For more information, speak to your local pharmacist.
Medicines Use Review (MUR)
Many pharmacies can also offer you a Medicines Use Review (MUR), where you can discuss confidentially what medication you are taking, when you should be taking it, and any side effects you might be concerned about. The review is usually conducted in a private consultation room, and any findings are fed back to your GP.
Why should I visit my pharmacist?
Many pharmacies are open early in the morning, late in the evening and at weekends - and you don’t need to make an appointment, making them a convenient source of healthcare advice and treatment.
Pharmacists have studied for many years to become experts in the use of medicines. They have to undertake a four-year degree course, then a further one year pre-registration training and pass an examination.
Find a pharmacy
You can find details of a pharmacy in your area, including their opening hours by visiting NHS Choices or calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
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