Pharmacies can help you look after the health of yourself and your family. There is always a trained pharmacist available, and often a private consultation room where you can talk to the pharmacist. You don’t need to make an appointment and they are usually open longer hours than your Doctor.

What to expect from your pharmacy:

• Confidentiality. Everything you say to the pharmacist and the pharmacy staff will remain confidential – this is part of their employment contract and their professional code of conduct, just like Doctors and Nurses.

• Expert advice. Pharmacists spend four years in University learning about medicines and their use in the prevention and treatment of diseases. All pharmacy staff are also trained to make sure that they know when to ask the pharmacist if a medicine is right for you.

• Discretion. Most pharmacies now have a private consultation room. They are used for all sorts of discussions, not just about “embarrassing illness”! Ask if you would like to talk to the assistant or pharmacist in privacy.

• Safe supply of medicines. Pharmacy staff are trained to ask questions when they sell medicines. The answers you give help them check the medicine is the right one, and that it won’t cause any harm. Remember that everything you say will remain confidential. For example, many cold and flu medicines may cause serious problems for people with high blood pressure, heart problems or taking some anti-depressants. Some pain killers can cause serious problems for people on stomach medicines or tablets for their mental health. Please do not be offended when you are asked questions, and please answer as honestly as you can – it will only take a minute and will stop you spending your money on medicines that won’t work for you or may even make you ill.

• Advice about your prescription. Your pharmacist can help you get the most out of your prescribed medicine. They can teach you how to use your inhaler, tell you when is the best time to take your tablets, etc. They can also help you understand the leaflet in your box of tablets, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the medicine for you as an individual.

Pharmacies have many medicines that are not available in shops. They have an expert available to give you free healthcare advice without an appointment. They offer many new NHS services such as free medicines for people who don’t pay for their prescriptions, help stopping smoking, flu vaccinations, free emergency contraception, etc.

Next time you need healthcare advice – Ask your pharmacist!

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites