Pharmacy help
Heading to a local pharmacy is an easy way to speak to a health professional about your symptoms.
Pharmacists are experts in medicines who are also thoroughly trained in helping people to manage minor illnesses. They can offer clinical advice and sell affordable medicines to treat a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble, allergies, aches and pains.
If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to direct you to the help you need. They will be able to tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.
If you have questions about the medicines your GP has prescribed, a pharmacist can help explain when and how to take them. Remember, if you have a regular ‘repeat’ prescription that you need to collect, get your request to your GP surgery several days before you run out so that it’s ready when you need it.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You don’t need an appointment. Most have a consultation room where you can talk to a pharmacist in private - just ask if you want to use this service.