Pharmacists (or chemists) 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.
Pharmacists also offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains, as well as healthy eating and stopping smoking. They can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.
What problems can the pharmacist help with?
The types of minor ailments a pharmacist may be able to help with include:
bugs and viruses
minor injuries
tummy troubles
women's health
skin conditions
allergies
aches and pains
children's problems
Remember - it is important you speak to your GP if you have any concerns about your health.
What other services are available?
The services that may be available from your local pharmacy are:
emergency contraception
truss fittings
incontinence supplies
needle exchange and supervised drug administration
pregnancy testing
stop smoking services
medicines use reviews
chlamydia screening and treatment
weight management
Do I need to make an appointment?
You can talk to your pharmacist in confidence, even about the most personal symptoms and you don't need to make an appointment. It is possible to walk into any community pharmacy and ask to speak with the pharmacist.
How much will my prescription cost?
Pharmacists dispense your prescriptions and other medicines,offer testing and screening for common conditions and can advise on minor ailments.
Prescription costs - April 2011
Prescription - £7.40 per item
12 months prepayment certificate (PPC) - £104
3 months PPC - £29.10
In some cases you won't have to pay for your prescription, such as if you receive certain benefits.
Please speak to your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure whether or not you need to pay.
Where is my local pharmacy?
You can search for your nearest pharmacy (or chemist) using the link on the right side of this page.