Pharmacy Support
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can help you with medication queries and concerns, as well as minor health concerns.
They can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medications for a range of different minor illness such as coughs, colds, cuts and stomach issues.
If symptoms suggest something more serious pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need, such as suggesting seeing your GP or hospital.
When to use your pharmacy
Support with minor ailments
Pharmacists are able to offer advice and over-the-counter medication for minor illness such as cough and colds.
Other things your pharmacists can help with;
- Skin conditions such as acne, eczema and insect bites.
- Coughs, colds, sore throat and flu
- Minor cuts, bumps and bruises
- Constipation, diarrhoea or indigestion
- Hay fever and allergies
- Aches and pains such as, ear aches and headaches.
- Conjunctivitis, styes
- Emergency contraception
You do not need to make an appointment with your pharmacist. Anybody can walk into any pharmacy for advice. Alternatively, there will be times where patients will be referred to their local pharmacy by NHS 111 (online/telephone and NHS app), the GP or Urgent Treatment Centre. You can also access advice via https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/
Your consultation with the pharmacist will always be confidential and in a private place. The pharmacist will ask you questions about your health and will need to know about your previous medical history, allergies and any medicines that you might be taking.
Help with medication
If you have any questions about the medication you have been prescribed or that you have bought over the counter, please speak to your pharmacist. They can tell you how to use your medicine, worries about side effects or any questions you have. They are experts in how to use medication safely.
People starting a new medication to treat a long-term condition may be able to seek extra help from their local pharmacists through the New Medicine Service (NMS). This is a free service. For more information please visit: New Medicine Service (NMS) - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
If you or someone you look after is taking several medications you may be able to have a Medicines Use Review (MUR) with your pharmacist. This review looks at all medications being taken, the side effects and if there are any alternatives. This is a free service. For more information please visit: NHS England » Structured medication reviews and medicines optimisation
A pill box (also known as a dossette box) is a container used to organize your medication doses for a certain length of time. It can be helpful if you take several medications at different times of the day as it helps you avoid missing doses of your medications. They come in many sizes and have can have various timings on them (eg. Morning, night or morning, afternoon, night). If you’re unsure how to fill up the dossette box, speak to a pharmacist. You can get a dossette box from pharmacies and online.
Repeat prescriptions
Save yourself a trip to your GP by asking your pharmacist to manage your repeat prescription for you. If you experience any issues with your medications, such as side effects, tell your pharmacists who can consult with your GP.
Speak to your GP to find the best way to manage a prescription for you.
The NHS App
The NHS app lets you book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and access other healthcare services. To download the app visit the NHS Apps Library.
Who is it suitable for?
The app is for anyone over the age of 13 who has a GP linked to the app. Approximately 95% of GP surgeries are connected to the app.
The app is for anyone over the age of 13 who has a GP linked to the app. Approximately 95% of GP surgeries are connected to the app.
Find your nearest Pharmacy
You can search for your local pharmacy based on your postcode here:
Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Last updated13 Sep 2024