In recent months, local pharmacies across Gloucestershire have continued to expand the range of healthcare services they provide. They can offer assessment, treatment, and, when appropriate, some prescription medicine for seven common conditions as well as a confidential contraception service, without needing to see a GP.

Visiting a local pharmacy is an easy and convenient way to get expert clinical advice on minor health concerns.

Now, anyone who needs emergency contraception (the morning after pill), a supply of the pill or an annual pill check can also arrange a confidential consultation at their local pharmacy.

In recent months, local pharmacies across Gloucestershire have continued to expand the range of healthcare services they provide. They can offer assessment, treatment, and, when appropriate, some prescription medicine for seven common conditions as well as a confidential contraception service, without needing to see a GP.

Under the Pharmacy First Service, pharmacists can assess and treat patients for:

  • Sinusitis (adults and children aged 12 and over)
  • Sore throat (adults and children aged 5 and over)
  • Shingles (adults aged 18 and over)
  • Earache (children aged 1 to 17)
  • Impetigo (adults and children aged 1 and over)
  • Infected insect bite (adults and children aged 1 and over)
  • Urinary tract infection (women aged 16 to 64).

Under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, people can speak in confidence to a pharmacist to:

  • Get a supply of an emergency contraception pill
  • Start the pill for the first time
  • Take the pill after a break from using it
  • Access an ongoing supply of the pill.

Community pharmacy teams are highly skilled, qualified healthcare professionals and experts in medicines, thanks to their years of training and studies in this field. This equips them with the right clinical training to give patients the health advice they need.

If a GP surgery is contacted about one of the seven Pharmacy First conditions or contraception, the receptionist may refer the patient to a local pharmacy where they will be seen promptly, without needing to make an appointment. Community pharmacies are a great first point of contact for advice on a range of minor illnesses and support with self-care.

All pharmacies have private consultation rooms so that symptoms can be discussed in confidence. If a pharmacist is unable to treat an illness, they will recommend the most appropriate alternative services.

Pharmacists are helping to make NHS services easier and more accessible to patients across the county. They are also reducing the pressure on busy GP surgery teams, freeing up appointments for patients with more complex needs who really need their care.

All 105 community pharmacies are providing Pharmacy First and contraception services. Over the past 12 months, pharmacists’ expertise has helped almost 35,000 local people to access assessment, advice and medications (where appropriate) for the seven Pharmacy First conditions (sore throat, shingles, earache, impetigo, urinary tract infections, infected insect bites and sinusitis). The most common presenting illnesses for adults have been sore throat and uncomplicated urinary tract infection, and for younger people, earache and impetigo.

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Pharmacists can also check blood pressure, supply oral contraception and provide NHS vaccinations, including flu and covid jabs, to those who are eligible.