I am often asked what services do pharmacies provide?

Pharmacists (sometimes called Chemists) are experts in medicines and how they work. They play a key role in providing quality healthcare to patients. Working in the community, primary care and hospitals, pharmacists use their clinical expertise together with their practical knowledge to ensure the safe supply and use of medicines by patients and members of the public. The services that may be available from your Pharmacy are:

Medicine Use Reviews (MUR)

Prescription dispensing.

Emergency contraception.

Diabetes testing.

Blood pressure monitoring.

Pregnancy Testing.

Cholesterol Testing.

Truss fittings.

Incontinence supplies.

Stoma.

Needle exchange.

They can also advise on minor ailments, including:

Bugs and viruses.

Minor injuries.

Stomach complaints.

Women's health.

Skin conditions.

Allergies.

Aches and pains.

Children's problems.

Examples of new services that

pharmacy now offers include

pathology services where we are

helping to shorten the patient journey

drastically; diagnostic services where

patients are tested for conditions such

as diabetes and high blood pressure;

public health, helping people cut

down on alcohol or stop smoking;

sexual health services and greater

involvement in the treatment of those

with long-term conditions and comorbidities,

such as when a patient

has high blood pressure and diabetes

combined.

A CLINICAL PROFESSION

Pharmacists are at the

forefront of healthcare and like other

healthcare professionals, are rapidly

developing their clinical skills to improve

care for patients and the public.

Working as part of the NHS team in the

community, primary care and hospitals

pharmacists are taking greater

responsibility for the clinical care of

patients and the health and well-being.

Pharmacists can help you decide whether you need to see a doctor. You can talk to your pharmacists in confidence - even about the most personal symptoms, and you don't need to make an appointment. Ask for a confidential discussion with the pharmacist if it is necessary.

A pharmacist also has to be registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and have worked for at least a year under the supervision of an experienced and qualified pharmacist, either in a hospital or community pharmacy (local chemist's shop).

Further information: Contact a localpharmacy

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

NHS Costs and Exemptions from the DHSS