You can now get your contraception from pharmacies if it is a repeat medication.
They also can do blood pressure checking for you and they will alert the practice if the blood pressure is high, they may even carry out a 24 hour Blood pressure if indicated, Pharmacy first scheme – The pharmacists might be your first port of call for the following conditions:
• sinusitis (adults and children aged 12 years and over)
• sore throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
• earache (children and young adults aged 1 to 17 years)
• infected insect bite (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• impetigo (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
• uncomplicated urinary tract infection (women aged 16 to 64 years).
This allows community pharmacies to provide advice and medication for certain minor conditions, offering a free service for eligible patients and aiming to reduce the need for GP visits. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
• The Minor Ailment Scheme is an NHS service that allows pharmacists to provide advice and, where appropriate, medication for a range of minor conditions.
• It’s designed to be a convenient and accessible alternative to visiting a GP or A&E for minor ailments.
• The service is free for eligible patients.
Who it’s for:
• You need to be registered with a local GP in the same area as the pharmacy.
• You may also be eligible if you are named on, or entitled to, an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid HC2 certificate.
• You cannot use the NHS Minor Ailment Service if you live in a care home.
How it works:
• You don’t need an appointment.
• The pharmacist will ask you a few questions to assess your condition and determine the best course of treatment.
• They may recommend self-care strategies or provide medication.
• If necessary, the pharmacist can refer you to your GP or A&E.
• Local GP surgeries or NHS 111 might also refer patients to the pharmacy for this service.
Conditions that may be treated:
• The specific conditions that can be treated vary by pharmacy, but common examples include:
o Sore throats
o Ear infections
o Uncomplicated UTIs (women aged 16-64 years)
o Impetigo
o Infected insect bites
o Sinusitis
o Shingles
o Constipation
o Coughs and colds
o Mild skin conditions (e.g., acne, eczema)
o Hay fever
o Head lice
o Teething
o Nappy rash
o And more
Important Notes:
• The pharmacy will offer generic versions of medicines when available.
• If you have to pay for your prescriptions, you are still entitled to the pharmacist’s advice, free of charge, but will have to pay for treatment.
