World Pharmacists Day – share your experience

Today is World Pharmacists Day, recognising the important part pharmacists play in supporting our health and wellbeing.  

A national survey conducted by Healthwatch England –with support and input from Healthwatch Surrey – found that only 2% of people have never used a community pharmacy, underlining their integral role in the health system.  

Earlier this year we spoke to over 400 people here in Surrey about the impact of local pharmacy closures. Our survey found that residents really value the service and clinical expertise which their local pharmacy can provide – they are often the most visible and accessible part of the health system. 

Pharmacists can offer advice and over the counter (OTC) medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. There are now a range of conditions that certain pharmacists can diagnose and prescribe treatments for too. There’s more information on this Pharmacy First service on the Surrey Heartlands website. You can also buy medicines for minor illnesses or first-aid supplies in a pharmacy.  

What do you think about your local pharmacy? What’s good (and what’s bad) about the service they provide? We’d love to hear from you.