Have you asked your pharmacist?

Published: 2 November 2022

It’s national Ask Your Pharmacist Week (31 October - 7 November), and the theme this year is ‘now at your local pharmacy’, raising awareness of the variety of NHS services offered by them.

Pharmacies are part of our NHS family, offering a range of clinical services in the community. Using a local pharmacy is an easy way to get help from a health professional - pharmacists, technicians and assistants work with other professionals such as doctors and nurses to give you the best possible care as part of the local healthcare team.

At your local pharmacy, you can receive clinical advice and prompt treatment for common minor illnesses, like eye infections, earaches and itchy skin. If symptoms suggest something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to direct you to the help you need. Your pharmacist can also provide you with advice on taking new medicines, and if you're over 40, many phamacies can also check your blood pressure for free too.

Pharmacists are experts in the use of medicines, managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice. So, for NHS services, convenient access to medicines, support for healthy living and prompt clinical advice, 'Ask Your Pharmacist'!

Find out more about what your pharmacy can do for you on the NHS website, and locate a pharmacy close to you. You can also find local pharmacies offering COVID and flu vaccinations on the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System website.