Community pharmacies traditionally known for dispensing prescriptions and over the counter medicines are being visited more and more by people for a growing range of services such as advice and treatment for common conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), sore throat, and infected insect bite, making it easier for people to manage their health close to home and at a time that suits them.

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals and are highly skilled and trained to provide these additional services. In the Midlands, in 12 months more than 1 million pharmacy consultations for minor illnesses have taken place, that would have otherwise happened in GP practices, urgent care settings or through NHS 111.

This winter season, the NHS is reminding people across the Midlands that their local pharmacy can provide this expert advice, in private consultation rooms, with walk in or same day appointments available. They can also provide antibiotics and refer back to the GP if needed.

The complete list of common conditions includes sinusitis (aged 12 and over), urinary tract infection (UTI) (for women aged 16-64), sore throat (aged 5 and over), infected insect bite (aged 1 and over), impetigo (aged 1 and over), shingles (adults aged 18 and over) and earache for children (aged 1-17).

In addition, many pharmacies also offer free NHS blood pressure checks and contraception services for those eligible. You can get a free blood pressure check if you are aged 40 or over and live in England, although this service is not for those who already have high blood pressure, or if you have had your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the past six months.

Through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, people can visit a pharmacist to start the contraceptive pill, or receive a repeat supply, providing an alternative to seeing your GP or attending a sexual health clinic.

Jackie Buxton, NHS Pharmacy Lead in the Midlands said “Pharmacists are an essential part of the NHS pharmacy services we offer and people are often surprised by just how much can be done at a pharmacy.

It’s great to see public confidence grow in pharmacists. They’re experts in medicines, minor illnesses and preventing disease and so I am delighted at the number of people who are seeing a pharmacist for common conditions, blood pressure checks and contraception.

These additional services mean people can get quick, expert help without needing to book a GP appointment, which also gives GPs more capacity to focus on people with complex needs.

Your local pharmacist is highly skilled, so whether you need treatment for a minor illness, want to start or continue oral contraception or simply want your blood pressure checked, you can walk into your local pharmacy for confidential, professional care. It’s convenient and accessible.”

Imran Mohammed, Superintendant Pharmacist at Orchard Pharmacy, Nottinghamshire said “The role of community pharmacists is evolving hugely, public confidence is building and it’s great we can showcase our skill set and be pioneers in service provision for our communities.

Our patient feedback has been positive. They have told us they appreciate the privacy of our consultation room, same day access to care and being see by a pharmacist usually straight away.”

Emma Anderson, Pharmacist at Evans Pharmacy said “It’s great to be able to treat people on the NHS with common infections, like sore throat, sinusitis and children with earache, using many of the same options as those prescribed by GPs. Patients can contact us directly to arrange a suitable time for them to come in and by seen by a pharmacist.”

A patient at Evans Pharmacy said “The service was excellent. The Pharmacist Emma was really thorough, and I was impressed by the time she took and the advice and treatment I received. I was pleased and welcome the extra services that pharmacies offer.”

The services mentioned here are just some ways local pharmacies are benefitting their communities.

For more information visit How pharmacies can help – NHS

You can also find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks and a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without prescription.

Find your nearest pharmacy here: Find a pharmacy – NHS.