12 Things You Didn't know About... Your Helpful Pharmacy

Your local chemist does much more than just dispense your antibiotics

What do you visit your pharmacist for? To collect a prescription? Buy plasters? Well, they offer much more and can help with anything from advice on flu treatment to a hearing check – ideal when you can’t get a doctor’s appointment.

NHS England has now created a new campaign, Help Us, Help You to raise awareness that community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can help with a range of minor health concerns. Read on to see how your pharmacy can come to your (first) aid...

1 Advice for minor health upsets

Got a sore throat or a troublesome tummy? Skip the surgery and make your local pharmacist your first port of call. ‘They can provide clinical advice on minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy issues, as well as aches and pains,’ explains pharmacist Abraham Khodadi, who has partnered with NHS England on the campaign. ‘Pharmacists train for five years in medicines and health conditions so if symptoms suggest it’s serious, they know to get you the help you need.’

2 Guidance on small cuts and bruises

We spend more time outdoors in summer, with bare arms and legs, which leads to more minor wounds. ‘Pharmacists can show you how to wash cuts, suggest an appropriate antiseptic and help you dress the wound,’ says Abraham.