Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
It's estimated 50 million visits to the GP are made each year for minor ailments like coughs and colds, mild eczema and athlete's foot.
By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble. Instead of booking and waiting for a GP appointment, you can visit your local pharmacy any time – just walk in.
All pharmacists are trained to recognise many common health complaints. They can give advice or, where appropriate, medicines that will help clear up the problem.
If your problem is more serious and needs the attention of a GP, your pharmacist will recognise this and advise you to see your GP instead. If you have a common health problem, a trip to your local pharmacy is an option.
Some pharmacies also provide additional services such as emergency hormonal contraception (the morning after pill) and sexual health advice.
What’s more, many pharmacies are open in the evenings and on the weekends. You can search for your local pharmacy.
