When we're sick, we all want to feel better as quickly as possible and speak to someone who can help. with longer opening hours than GPs and highly qualified staff. Your local pharmacy can give you the answers and medicine you need to start feeling better.
Did you know that
Your local pharmacist is on hand for a range of long-term conditions and minor concerns. If required, they can also help you decide which service to use or whether you need to see a local GP or visit A&E.
What can they help with?
As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer help with and provide over-the-counter medicines for things such as:
What services do they offer?
Without the need for an appointment, they can assist with things like:
Benefits of using the pharmacy
Not only does it help free up local GP appointments for those who need them most, but you can also get the added benefit of:
The new Pharmacy First Service will enable community Pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice. This alongside expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, will save up to 10 million general practice team appointments a year and help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness.
The Pharmacy First Service builds on the previous Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) by enabling community pharmacies to manage patients for seven common conditions, following specific clinical pathways. The overal service consists of three core elements:
The seven conditions are:
Clinical Pathway |
Age Range |
Acute Otitis Media |
1-17 years |
Impetigo |
1 year and over |
Infected insect bites |
1 year and over |
Shingles |
18 years and over |
Sinusitis |
12 years and over |
Sore throat |
5 years and over |
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections |
Women 16-64 years |
Patients will access the new clinical pathway element by walking into the pharmacy directly or where appropriate, by contacting them by video consultation. In addition, patients will access the service via referrals from: