Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with NHS prescriptions as well as support and treatments for minor health concerns.
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals and have trained for five years. They can offer clinical advice, over-the-counter medicines and some prescription medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.
If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.
In some cases, if you contact your GP practice with a minor illness that can be assessed and treated more quickly by a local community pharmacist (with your consent) they will send an electronic referral to the community pharmacy of your choice for a timely consultation.
You can find a local pharmacy. Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment. You can find out more about how they can help you.
Community pharmacists can now supply prescription medicines for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First. This can include antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.
These seven conditions, and the age groups they apply to, are:
If you have symptoms that suggest you may have one of these seven conditions, you can walk into a pharmacy and be offered a consultation with the pharmacist. The pharmacist will provide you advice and if appropriate, offer prescription medicines. The pharmacist will share a record of your consultation with your GP to make sure your health records are kept up to date.
Should the pharmacy team be unable to help, you will be directed to other heath care services as appropriate.
Some low-income patients or patients who are on benefits will also be eligible for free over the counter medications for a range of minor conditions when referred to pharmacies by their GP. People who are homeless, asylum seekers or refugees can simply walk into their local pharmacy to access this service.
All pharmacies in north east London provide the following services:
Find advice on health conditions, healthy living, and how to get support.
Find the information you need about how to access local health and care services in north east London.
Find out more about Patient Choice and choosing where to have your treatment.
