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.”

Clare Boothman, Operations Manger at Stone Pharmacy in Staffordshire said “Seeing patients for common conditions has been a success at Stone Pharmacy. There is always good availability for walk in and appointment services and this has enhanced what we were already able to offer.

Our patients have told us they appreciate being able to access same day treatment and that it is a great alternative to trying to go through the GP when they are so busy.

As a busy pharmacy, we look forward to the potential for the expansion of these services.”

Deborah a patient at Stone Pharmacy said “I really wanted an appointment to see my GP for a suspected water infection. I was in pain and quite sceptical when I was told I could be referred to see the pharmacist. In-fact I was given an appointment the same afternoon and saw the pharmacist in the private consultation room.

After assessment, I was given a short course of antibiotics, and I am delighted to say I now feel much better. I hope I am not ill again soon, but would not hesitate to see a pharmacist.”

Muhammed Zaheer, Pharmacist at Shelley’s Pharmacy in Birmingham said “We have two private consultation rooms in our pharmacy, providing a dedicated, private and safe space for our patients for advice and treatment for common conditions.

We’re seeing more and more patients, freeing up GP appointments and helping to reduce pressures in primary care. Our patients can walk in or call ahead, whichever suits them.”

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.