It’s national Ask Your Pharmacist Week (31 October-7 November). NHS Lincolnshire ICB is encouraging people to talk to their local pharmacy for advice on medications and treatments – and how to take them safely. In addition, it is highlighting the range of NHS services that are now available at your local pharmacy.
Pharmacies are part of the NHS family and the range of clinical services provided by community pharmacies has expanded significantly in recent years.
You have always been able to get prescription medicines, urgent care for common illnesses, lifestyle support and medicines advice to help you manage your long-term medicinal conditions.
The NHS has built on this, with new services such as blood pressure checks for the over 40s and expanded support for people with Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis, among other conditions. In addition you can get:
- Convenient advice and treatment for minor illnesses
- Services that are convenient and close to your home
- Blood pressure monitoring for the over 40s
- Flu vaccinations for the over 50s and other eligible groups
- Covid autumn booster vaccinations
- Help with prescribed medicine for a range of long-term conditions
Pharmacies have become gradually more integrated with other parts of the health service, working in partnership with doctors and hospitals for example.
As pharmacies evolve, there are some familiar things that you can always rely on – friendly staff, medicines expertise, and walk-in access to face-to-face support.
So, remember to Ask Your Pharmacist for:
- Advice and treatment for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds and earache
- Advice on staying well and preventing disease
- Support to maintain good sexual health
- Help to quit smoking
- Personalised support to get the most from your medicines
- Advice on winter vaccinations
Please take a look at our series of ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ videos, now available on our YouTube channel.
For NHS services, convenient access to medicines, support for healthy living and prompt clinical advice, Ask Your Pharmacist!