Pharmacy
Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns.
As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter 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.
All pharmacists train for 5 years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.
Information:
You can also get:
Your local community pharmacy can help with:
- Advice and treatment for minor illnesses such as colds, earaches, itchy skin, and eye infections
- Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations
- Advice on staying well, preventing disease, and stocking a safe medicines cabinet
- Support to maintain good sexual health
- Advice on stopping smoking
- Personalised support on managing medicines day to day and how to get the most benefit from your medicines
NHS services at many pharmacies in Lincolnshire include:
- Community Pharmacy Consultation Skills (CPCS) – aims to connect patients who have a minor illness or need an urgent supply of a medicine with a community pharmacy. Referrals into CPCS can be made via 111, general practice and Urgent and Emergency Care.
- Blood pressure check service – aims to identify patients with undiagnosed hypertension, by offering a free blood pressure check (for anyone aged over 40 with no history of high blood pressure or those aged 30-39 with a family history of high blood pressure). Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks.
- Oral contraception advanced service – aims to improve patients’ access and convenience to a supply of oral contraception. Community pharmacy staff ensure the required examinations such as blood pressure check and weight check are made, followed by consultation with the pharmacist before the supply of the ongoing oral contraception. Find a pharmacy that offers the Contraception service in Lincolnshire.
- New medicine Service – provide support to patients and carers, helping them manage newly prescribed medicines for long-term conditions, and supporting patients to make shared decisions about their care. Learn more about the New Medicine Service.
Community pharmacies provide a uniquely accessible workforce of health care professionals, who are trained and qualified to help you with a wide range of minor illnesses and common conditions. We encourage you to ‘ask your pharmacist’ for advice and treatment on minor health concerns and for advice and support to stay well.