Pharmacists
Did you know that you can treat many minor illnesses and injuries without having to see a doctor at all? As well as dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists provide a range of services and provide ‘on the spot’ help and advice
Community pharmacists, like GPs, are part of the NHS family.
- There are currently 85 community pharmacies in Coventry
- 94% of the population use local pharmacies at least once a year
- It is estimated that there are approximately 40,000 visits to community pharmacies in Coventry each day
- Coventry community pharmacies dispense approximately 5 million items per year
In Coventry we have community pharmacies situated in high street locations, in neighbourhood centres, in out-of-town developments, in supermarkets, in GP practices and in the heart of the most deprived communities.
Many are open long hours when other health care professionals are unavailable including weekends, late nights and bank holidays.
There are several different types and sizes of community pharmacies, ranging from the large chains to small individually owned pharmacies and a qualified pharmacist will be available in each pharmacy.
Community pharmacy is the first port of call when most people have minor ailments like coughs and colds.
NHS could save about £380 million a year if 1 in 4 patients consulted their local pharmacist about minor ailments instead of their GP.
The services that may be available from your Community Pharmacy are:
- Emergency contraception
- Truss fittings
- Incontinence supplies
- Needle exchange
- Pregnancy testing
- Taking Blood samples
- Health Heart check ups
- Reviewing your medicines with you
- Prescription collection and delivery service
- Advice on stopping smoking
- Chlamydia testing
Phamacists also dispense your prescriptions, provide a range of services related to specific health related issues and can advise on minor ailments including:
- Bugs and viruses
- Minor injuries
- Tummy troubles
- Women's health
- Skin conditions
- Allergies
- Aches and pains
- Children's problems
- GP
GP stands for General Practitioner. GPs are family doctors.