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Seeing a pharmacist first could save you time and get you feeling better faster (stock image)(Image: Getty)<\/p>\nTo save you time waiting to see a doctor, popping into your local pharmacy could help<\/p>\n
14:33, 15 Nov 2025Updated 15:06, 15 Nov 2025<\/p>\n
Seeing a pharmacist first could save you time and get you feeling better faster (stock image)(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
According to NHS<\/a> data, more than five million patients have already received help from high-street pharmacies<\/a> for minor illnesses without needing to book a GP appointment. Since October, pharmacies have provided women with the morning-after pill free of charge for the first time, further expanding the services available.<\/p>\n But what other health concerns can pharmacists help you with? With NHS<\/a> waiting times for doctor appointments remaining high across the UK, the experts at Landys Chemist<\/a> have compiled a list of services that pharmacists and chemists can offer to support patients with their everyday health needs, reducing the need for time and resources.<\/p>\n If you have a minor illness, such as a cough, cold, or aches, it’s best to consult a pharmacist first. They can provide you with clinical advice and help you find over-the-counter or prescription treatments for conditions such as UTIs or shingles<\/a>.<\/p>\n A pharmacist can also help with repeat prescriptions and provide other health services, such as checking your blood pressure<\/a>. They will let you know if you need to visit a doctor for more serious problems.<\/p>\n Rhysa Phommachanh<\/a>, Health and Personal Care Specialist, says: “Pharmacists are highly trained professionals and can offer expert clinical advice and over-the-counter treatments for minor illnesses and injuries. If symptoms suggest something more serious, they can also guide you on when to seek further help from a GP or another healthcare professional.”<\/p>\n Pharmacies can give treatment advice for a range of common conditions and minor injuries, such as:<\/p>\n When should you see a GP?<\/strong><\/p>\n Rhysa adds: “While pharmacists are valuable resources for advice on over-the-counter medications and minor illnesses, it’s crucial to consult a doctor, call 111, or visit A&E in an emergency if your symptoms are severe or if you have any doubts.<\/p>\n “While pharmacists can’t diagnose complex conditions, turning to them for minor issues helps ease the pressure on GPs, allowing doctors to focus on patients with more urgent needs.”<\/p>\n Earlier this month the NHS<\/a> issued a \u2018flu jab SOS\u2019, with England\u2019s top nurse warning people to get protected now, with only weeks to go before the worst of the flu season typically bites. Eligible adults are being urged to come forward now, so they are fully protected ahead of the usual flu season peak in the winter months.<\/p>\n In response, the health service is making 2.4 million vaccination slots available next week \u2013 enough to vaccinate the whole of Greater Manchester<\/a> or Botswana. The NHS is calling on eligible adults to get their jab as soon as possible to stamp out the early wave of flu hitting the NHS more than a month earlier this year, with cases triple the same time last year.<\/p>\n![\"Pharmacists](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_GettyImages-181892904.jpg\")
Pharmacists are highly trained professionalsTwelve pharmacy health services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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See a doctor if your symptoms are severe or if you have any doubtsWhat about November’s flu crisis?<\/strong><\/p>\n