Ask Your Pharmacist Week 2015

It’s Ask Your Pharmacist Week 9-15 November 2015.  Pharmacists across the UK will be reminding the public about the range of services available in local pharmacies, and encouraging them to make appropriate use of NHS services.  Often, people make unnecessary trips to the GP or even A&E, when the neighbourhood pharmacy could help instead.

In recent years, community pharmacy has expanded its role, and now provides a wide range of clinical and public health services (NHS and non-NHS), within easy reach of the people who need them most.   However, while most people go first to their pharmacy for medicines and medicines advice, many don’t know about the range of other healthcare services on offer in pharmacies.

Meb Datoo, Chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Pharmaceutical Committee said:

“Your local pharmacy is a good first contact point for advice on many common health concerns. While most people will go first to their pharmacy for medicines advice, many don’t know about the range of other healthcare services provided by pharmacies on their doorstep and the level of expertise there.  Pharmacists are available without appointment and are able to deal with a wide range of ailments, as well as offering uniquely accessible advice on maintaining and improving your health.”

Activities are planned across the country during Ask Your Pharmacist Week include health checks in shopping centres, community talks, pharmacy window displays and visits to pharmacies by local dignitaries.