Think Pharmacy
If you or your family become unwell, you may not always need to see a doctor or get a prescription. Community pharmacists are qualified health professionals who can offer expert advice on lots of minor ailments and conditions.
With longer opening hours than GPs, local pharmacies offer many of the same services GPs do, and all pharmacies in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have private consultation rooms.
Through the ‘Pharmacy First’ service, community pharmacists can now also supply prescription-only medicines to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.
The Pharmacy First service is available within all pharmacies across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, making it easier for patients to access help, advice and treatment. Most of the time no appointment is necessary, however this may depend on the treatment needed and how busy the pharmacy is.
What common conditions can a pharmacist help with?
Speak to your local community pharmacist in confidence, without an appointment about:
- Coughs, colds and the flu
- Aches, pains & minor injuries
- Oral contraception*
- Skin rashes and allergies
- Ear and eye care
- Stomach aches such as constipation, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, or threadworm
- Help with medication and repeat prescriptions
- Advice on healthy living – how to eat better, lose weight, exercise, and stop smoking
Plus, under the new ‘Pharmacy First’ service you can now get prescription-only medicines advice for these seven common conditions:
- sinusitis (adults and children aged 12+)
- sore throat (adults and children aged 5+)
- earache (children and young people aged 1–17)
- infected insect bites (adults and children aged 1+)
- impetigo (adults and children aged 1+)
- shingles (adults aged 18+)
- urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)
Benefits from your pharmacy
- You don’t need to make an appointment to see your pharmacist.
- Your local pharmacy has a consultation room allowing for privacy.
- By visiting a pharmacist first, it helps to make more GP and emergency appointments available for people with more complex healthcare needs.
- Many illnesses can be treated with over-the-counter medicines and advice from your pharmacy.
- A pharmacist will signpost you quickly to the right medical care if you have anything more serious.
- A pharmacist can advise on how long you can expect to experience symptoms for.
To find out more about the ‘Pharmacy First’ service, please click here.
Think Clinical Pharmacists for all things relating to medicines in GP Practices
Clinical pharmacists in GP practices work as part of the team. They provide:
- structured medication reviews for patients with ongoing health problems
- treatment of patients with long-term conditions such as hypertension or diabetes
- improvement of patients’ safety by ensuring appropriate monitoring of treatments
- help with side-effects if your medicine is making you feel bad
- advice and support to make changes to your life to help you stay well
Seeing a clinical pharmacist frees up the GP, leaving them more time to diagnose and treat patients with more complex conditions.
Get you vaccinations
Pharmacists across the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin continue to offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to those who are eligible. Check whether you are eligible.
Check which pharmacy is offering vaccinations near you.
Some pharmacies offer late-night and 24-hour opening
Some pharmacies offer late-night and 24-hour opening.
Find your nearest pharmacy and its opening times here.
Pharmacy Contraception Service – Easier Access, More Choice
Women across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin can now access oral contraception (the pill) and the morning-after pill directly from participating community pharmacies. There is no need to book a GP appointment.
This service is designed to:
- Increase choice and convenience
- Improve access to contraception
- Free up GP appointments for those who need them most
You’ll still receive your annual pill check-up, just as you would with your GP.
How it works:
- Self-refer by visiting a participating pharmacy
- Confidential consultation with a trained pharmacist
- Repeat prescriptions available for those already on oral contraception
- Referrals can also come from GPs, sexual health clinics, NHS 111, or other NHS services
If you experience unusual side effects after three months or have concerns about your contraception, please speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Find a participating pharmacy for oral contraception near you.
Find a participating pharmacy for the morning after pill near you.
