This page is to give advice and guidance to patients how to manage long-term conditions, how to deal with minor injury and illnessa that doesnt't require treamtnet from a clinician and give to advice on several topics.

There are times where you may consider consulting a community pharmacist first for minor illness. As qualified healthcare professionals, community pharmacists can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends.

You do not need an appointment.  

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Blood pressure tests can also be carried out at home using your own digital blood pressure monitor.

This can give a better reflection of your blood pressure, as being tested in somewhere like a GP surgery can make you feel anxious and can affect the result. It can also allow you to monitor your condition more easily in the long-term.

You can buy a variety of low-cost monitors so you can test your blood pressure at home or while you're out and about.

It's important to make sure you use equipment that has been properly tested. The British Hypertension Society (BHS) has information about validated blood pressure monitors you can buy.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Explained