Pharmacists are experts in medicines and how they work; they play a vital role in providing quality healthcare to patients at local pharmacies.
We all know that pharmacists dispense medicines; but they can offer a lot more than that. Local pharmacies provide a range of health services that many people aren’t aware of and these services could save you a trip to your GP, or help you to make healthy lifestyle changes.
In Plymouth, everybody lives close to one of the 51 community pharmacies across the City. This means patients have quick and easy access to a pharmacist who is an expert in medicines; many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends and you don’t need an appointment to see one.
In addition to dispensing your prescriptions, community pharmacies provide a range of services related to specific health related issues. If you have a minor problem you can visit a local pharmacy and they can provide expert health advice as well as over the counter medicines and treatments for ailments such as:
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Bugs and viruses
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Minor injuries
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Tummy troubles
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Women's health
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Skin conditions
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Allergies
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Aches and pains
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Children's problems
Pharmacies can also help you to improve your long-term health and wellbeing. All pharmacies offer healthy lifestyle advice that covers topics such as diet and nutrition, physical activity, losing weight and stopping smoking. They can also discuss management of long-term conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Those with serious long-term conditions, such as diabetes, will still need regular reviews with their GP or a specialist.
Other services that may be available from your local pharmacy include:
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Emergency contraception
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Chlamydia testing
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Medicines Use Review – a free confidential medicines check-up where you can find out more about your medicines and get advice on how to take them in the best way
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Supervised consumption of methadone
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Incontinence supplies
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Pregnancy testing
Don’t miss out on this valuable service; you can find details of your local pharmacies including information on their opening times and the services they offer by visiting www.nhs.uk.
For more information about opening hours over the May and June Bank Holidays for Plymouth and South West Devon Pharmacies see the following links: May June Bank Hoilday 2012.pdf and South hams and West Devon.pdf