You can visit a pharmacy for lots of minor illnesses, conditions and advice, including for:
Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can advise on the right medicines and treatment. You don’t need an appointment to visit your local pharmacy.
You can find your nearest pharmacy on the NHS website.
At your pharmacy you’ll find a wide range of services, including:
Many pharmacies participate in the Pharmacy First scheme, which allows people who receive certain benefits to go straight to their pharmacist to receive treatment, for selected minor ailments, without needing to visit their GP to get a prescription.
You might be suitable for electronic repeat dispensing (eRD) if you get regular or repeat medicines that do not change. eRD means your GP can send your regular or repeat prescriptions electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. You can then collect your medication from your pharmacy, or ask them to deliver it to your home. Find out more about eRD here.
You can get contraception from your pharmacy and advice on the right type of contraception for you. Up to 10 pharmacies across Portsmouth are currently providing oral contraception for free to people local to them, offering private consultation and expert advice.
Emergency contraception is available for free from pharmacies if you’ve had unprotected sex or used contraception that has failed.
Find out more about contraception and the services on offer across Portsmouth.
There are many medicines which can help with minor health concerns, but which do not require a prescription.
Over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community. The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need, including referring you to your GP if appropriate. Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly.
You can read this leaflet explaining more about over-the-counter medicines.
These are some of the faces and roles you might see in your team of healthcare professionals at your pharmacy:
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are responsible for dispending and supplying prescription medicines. They sell over-the-counter medical products, instruct people on using medicines, and provide advice and information to maintain and improve people’s health.
Pharmacy Assistant
Assistants help Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians order, prepare and dispense medicines. They also help patients with their prescriptions and answer any questions they might have face-to-face or over the phone.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians manage and prepare the supply of medicines, working under the supervision of a Pharmacist. They speak with patients and offer advice on how best to manage medicines.
Dispenser
Dispensers assist in the preparation and dispending of prescriptions, managing stock and ordering medicines as needed.