Pharmacies
Pharmacists dispense your prescriptions, provide a range of services related to specific health issues and can give advice on healthy living and minor ailments.
-
Pharmacists can provide expert knowledge on medicines, how they work and how you should use them.
-
Pharmacists are able to offer advice about minor ailments, such as coughs, colds, cold sores and general aches and pains.
-
Pharmacists are also well trained to offer advice and support on other health issues such as weight loss, giving up smoking and emergency contraception.
-
Additional services that may be available from your pharmacy include: emergency contraception, truss fitting, incontinence supplies, needle exchange and pregnancy testing
You can talk to your pharmacist in confidence – even about the most personal symptoms and you don’t need to make an appointment.
When should I go to my pharmacist?
It is worth bearing in mind that your pharmacist can give health advice and help avoid a trip to the GP. For example, for conditions like a runny nose, cough or headache, hangover, grazed knee or sore throat are best cured by over the counter medicine and plenty of rest at home.
Minor ailments that your pharmacist can help you with include:
-
Bugs and viruses
-
Minor injuries
-
Tummy troubles
-
Women’s health
-
Skin conditions
-
Allergies
-
Aches and pains
-
Children’s problems
Can I walk in and see a pharmacist?
Yes, you don’t need an appointment to see a pharmacist and can consult them in confidence so there’s no need to queue at your GP if you need advice about your health.
What are the prescription charges?
The current prescription charge is £9.15 per item.
It’s £30.05 for a surgical bra.
A prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) could save you money on NHS prescription costs.
Find out how to save money with a PPC
Pharmacies across London
To find a pharmacy in your local area, please go on the NHS Choices directory.
Out of hours
To find out the out-of-hours pharmacy rota, call NHS 111.