Getting the right help
Can a pharmacist help?
Your local pharmacist can give advice on a range of conditions, and can now treat some of them without you needing to see a GP.
Pharmacy First
Pharmacists may be able to offer treatment, and some prescription medicine, for these conditions without you needing to see a GP:
- earache — aged 1 to 17 years
- impetigo — aged 1 year and over
- infected insect bites — aged 1 year and over
- shingles — aged 18 years and over
- sinusitis — aged 12 years and over
- sore throat — aged 5 years and over
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) — women aged 16 to 64 years
If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment, or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional if needed. They will then update your GP health record.
If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.
Advice and treatment
Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help. No appointment is needed, and many pharmacies have a private consultation room.
The public perceptions of community pharmacy survey found that over 90% of patients who sought guidance from a community pharmacy within the past year reported receiving good advice.
Advice on your medicines
Pharmacists can give advice on the medicines you already take — how to use them, worries about side effects, or any other questions you have.
This applies whether the medicine was prescribed by the practice or bought over the counter.
Other things a pharmacist can help with
Starting a new medicine
You can have three appointments with a pharmacist when you start a new medicine for a long-term condition, to help with any questions.
Contraception
Some pharmacies can supply the contraceptive pill without a prescription.
Some also offer the emergency contraceptive pill for free. If you are aged 16 or over, you can buy it from most pharmacies.
Free blood pressure checks
Some pharmacies offer a free blood pressure check.
Disposing of old or unwanted medicines
If your medicine is out of date or unwanted, do not put it in the bin or flush it down the toilet. Take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.
Other services a pharmacy may offer
Other services that may be available at a local pharmacy include:
- advice from a pharmacist after contacting NHS 111 or a GP
- chlamydia screening and treatment
- advice and help on how to stop smoking
- cholesterol and blood sugar testing
- the substance misuse service, including needle and syringe exchange schemes
- advice and help on how to manage your weight.
Ask a local pharmacist to find out what services they offer.
If a pharmacist cannot help
Pharmacists will refer you to the practice when you need to be seen by a GP or nurse. You can also contact us directly.
Book an appointment