Overview

Pharmacists, who are commonly called ‘chemists’, play an important role in providing quality healthcare. They’re experts in medicines and use their knowledge to advise you about common problems like coughs, colds, aches and pains, as well as healthy eating and stopping smoking.

Pharmacists can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital.

At a pharmacy, they can give you advice about treatment for minor conditions and healthy living. They can give you some medicines without a prescription from a doctor.

They can also give you the medicine a doctor has prescribed and help you with regular medications. If you have extra medicines you no longer need, or which are out of date, they can safely get rid of them for you.

General Pharmaceutical Council – What can you expect when visiting a pharmacy