Extra services offered by your local pharmacy
Pharmacies have come a long way over the years and these days they offer many services to make life a bit easier. Read on the find out how your local pharmacy can help you.
Pharmacists work closely with GPs, specialists, allied health professionals and hospitals. They also offer a range of services to consumers, usually free of charge and without the need to make an appointment.
These may include:
Advice on medicines: Pharmacists can advise on the best over-the-counter medicines for you, generic (cheaper) medicines, and how to take your medicines safely.
Healthcare advice: They can help you with the treatment of minor ailments such as coughs and colds, post-natal care, and pain management.
Advice for minor injuries: Pharmacists can help you manage minor injuries and show you how to apply dressings and compression garments.
Health checks: You can get your blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar tests (for diabetes) from a pharmacy. You should share the results with your GP.
Vaccinations: Some appropriately trained pharmacists offer approved vaccinations.
Advice about children and babies: Pharmacists provide advice and products to help you treat common baby conditions such as nappy rash, eczema, cradle cap, constipation, pain and fever, and teething.
Medical certificates: You can get a medical certificate for an absence from work from a pharmacist.