Medicines & Pharmacy (England)

Understanding NHS Pharmacy Services

Community pharmacies provide much more than dispensing medicines.

They can help with:

• Minor illnesses
• Prescription medicines
• Repeat prescriptions
• Emergency medicine supply (where appropriate)
• Medication advice
• Medicine reviews
• Blood pressure checks (at participating pharmacies)
• Contraception services (at participating pharmacies)
• Smoking cessation support
• Vaccinations (at participating pharmacies)
• Healthy lifestyle advice

Many pharmacy services are available without needing a GP appointment.

Official NHS information:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/

Prescriptions

A prescription is issued by an authorised healthcare professional when a medicine is clinically appropriate.

Prescriptions may be issued by:

• GP
• Hospital doctor
• Dentist
• Nurse prescriber
• Pharmacist prescriber
• Specialist clinician

Always check:

• Your name
• Medicine name
• Dose
• Instructions
• Expiry date
• Any allergies recorded

If you are unsure how to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist before leaving.

Prescription Charges (England)

In England, most adults pay a standard NHS prescription charge unless they qualify for an exemption.

Current charges change periodically, so always check the official NHS page:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/prescription-costs/

Free Prescriptions

You may qualify for free NHS prescriptions if you meet certain eligibility criteria, including some age groups, pregnancy-related exemptions, qualifying medical conditions, or qualifying benefits. Eligibility can change, so check the official guidance before applying or claiming an exemption. (NHS Prescription Costs)

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Official information:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions allow regular medicines to be supplied without needing a new prescription every time.

You can request repeat prescriptions through:

• NHS App
• GP online services
• GP surgery
• Community pharmacy

Many people use the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), which sends prescriptions directly to a nominated pharmacy.

Official information:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/electronic-prescription-service/

Pharmacy First

The NHS Pharmacy First service allows participating pharmacies to assess and treat several common conditions without a GP appointment.

Depending on eligibility and local service arrangements, pharmacists may assess and provide treatment or appropriate referral for conditions such as:

• Sore throat
• Earache
• Sinusitis
• Infected insect bites
• Shingles
• Impetigo
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (for eligible patients)

If your condition is more serious, the pharmacist will advise you to contact your GP, NHS 111, or attend urgent care.

Official information:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Many common conditions can be treated using medicines purchased without a prescription.

Examples include:

• Pain relief
• Hay fever medicines
• Cough remedies
• Cold remedies
• Antacids
• Indigestion medicines
• Allergy medicines
• Oral rehydration products
• Creams for minor skin conditions

Always:

• Read the patient information leaflet.
• Follow dosing instructions carefully.
• Keep medicines out of children's reach.
• Check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have long-term health conditions.

Medication Reviews

People taking regular medicines should have periodic medication reviews.

Medication reviews help to:

• Check medicines are still needed.
• Reduce side effects.
• Prevent harmful interactions.
• Improve effectiveness.
• Simplify treatment.
• Discuss concerns.
• Support adherence.

Medication reviews may be carried out by:

• GP
• Practice pharmacist
• Community pharmacist
• Hospital pharmacist
• Specialist clinician

Bring all your medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products.

Medicines for Children

Parents should:

• Give medicines exactly as instructed.
• Use correct measuring devices.
• Store medicines safely.
• Never give adult medicines unless advised.
• Check expiry dates.
• Keep a medication record for long-term conditions.

Seek urgent medical advice if a child:

• Develops breathing difficulties after taking medicine.
• Has a severe allergic reaction.
• Takes an accidental overdose.
• Becomes difficult to wake.
• Develops seizures.

Medicines for Older People

Older adults may take several medicines at once.

Ask for regular medication reviews if:

• Medicines are causing side effects.
• You feel dizzy.
• You have fallen.
• Memory problems affect medication.
• You struggle to swallow tablets.
• You think medicines are no longer helping.

Legal Rights

Under the NHS Constitution for England, patients have rights to:

• Safe care
• High-quality treatment
• Information about medicines
• Informed consent
• Access to health records
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Making complaints
• Involvement in decisions

Official:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

Equality & Accessibility Rights

Under the Equality Act 2010, disabled patients may request reasonable adjustments.

You can ask for:

• Easy Read medicine information
• Large print labels
• Braille
• Audio information
• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter
• Spoken language interpreter
• Easy-open packaging (where available)
• Compliance aids (such as monitored dosage systems, where clinically appropriate)
• Home delivery (where offered)
• Carer involvement where appropriate

The Accessible Information Standard requires NHS organisations to identify, record and meet communication needs.

Official:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/accessible-information-standard/

Evidence Standards

Keep copies of:

• Prescription lists
• Medication reviews
• Hospital discharge medicines
• Allergy information
• Side effect diary
• Appointment letters
• Blood test results
• Pharmacy advice
• Repeat prescription requests
• Complaint correspondence

Ask for:

• Current medication list
• Written medicine instructions
• Side effect information
• Medication review summary
• Copies of hospital medicine changes

Accountability

If you have concerns about medicines:

Step 1

Speak with:

• Pharmacist
• GP
• Hospital pharmacist
• Prescribing clinician

Step 2

Contact the NHS service provider.

Step 3

Use the NHS complaints procedure.

Step 4

If unresolved, you may ask the:

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

Official:

https://www.ombudsman.org.uk

Practical Questions to Ask

• Why am I taking this medicine?
• How long should I take it?
• What are the side effects?
• Can it interact with other medicines?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Can I drink alcohol?
• Is there a cheaper or alternative medicine?
• When should it be reviewed?

Useful NHS & GOV.UK Resources

NHS Pharmacy Services

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/

Pharmacy First

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/

Prescription Costs

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/prescription-costs/

NHS Low Income Scheme

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

Electronic Prescription Service

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/electronic-prescription-service/

NHS App

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

NHS 111

https://111.nhs.uk

Accessible Information Standard

https://www.england.nhs.uk/accessible-information-standard/

NHS Complaints

https://www.nhs.uk/contact-us/how-to-complain-to-the-nhs/

NHS Constitution

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

https://www.ombudsman.org.uk

Quick Checklist

✔ Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
✔ Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about medicines or side effects.
✔ Request regular medication reviews if you take long-term medicines.
✔ Use Pharmacy First for eligible common illnesses where available.
✔ Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
✔ Request accessible information or reasonable adjustments if needed.
✔ Raise concerns promptly and use the NHS complaints process if medication-related care falls below expected standards.