What to Expect from a Pharmacy Consultation in the UK
GP practices are under mounting pressure with a limited number of consultations available face-to-face or on the phone. Patients are being encouraged to use other services as a first resort, but it can be unclear as to who can help with what.
In this article we take a look at what you can ask from a pharmacy. It’s clear that they are far more than a dispenser of medicines. Talking to a pharmacist could help patients avoid the stress of booking a GP appointment.
What Happens in a Pharmacy Consultation?
A pharmacy consultation is a private, one-to-one conversation with a pharmacist, usually in a consultation room within the pharmacy. It’s free, confidential, and increasingly designed to reduce pressure on GPs while giving patients faster, convenient support.
Depending on the reason for a patient’s visit, a pharmacist may:
- Review symptoms: They’ll ask about the patient’s health, how long they’ve felt unwell, and any underlying conditions or medicines they are taking.
- Provide advice and treatment: Pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter medicines, lifestyle changes, or self-care tips.
- Prescribe directly (in some cases): Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme (England, Scotland, Wales), pharmacists can now prescribe for certain common conditions, such as:
- Ear infections
- Sore throats
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Shingles
- Infected insect bites
- Review medicines: Through services like the New Medicine Service (NMS) or Medicines Use Reviews (MURs), pharmacists help patients – especially older people – understand new prescriptions, check for side effects, and avoid dangerous interactions.
- Provide vaccinations: Many pharmacies provide flu jabs, COVID boosters, and travel vaccines.
- Refer if necessary: If symptoms are more serious, pharmacists will refer patients to their GP, urgent care, or hospital.
How the pharmacy complements a GP consultation
Pharmacy consultations don’t replace a GP, but the intention is that they free up GP time and provide faster, more accessible care. Here’s how the two work together:
First port of call
For minor illnesses, a pharmacist can often deal with the issue directly, meaning you don’t need a GP appointment.
Medication expertise
Pharmacists specialise in medicines. They often have more time than GPs to explain dosages, side effects, and safe use (especially important for older people managing multiple prescriptions).
Monitoring ongoing conditions
While a GP manages diagnosis and long-term treatment plans, pharmacists help with day-to-day medicine use and spotting problems early.
Accessibility
Pharmacies are local, often open evenings and weekends, and don’t require an appointment – ideal for quick advice between GP visits.
Why This Matters for Families with Older Relatives
A pharmacist can help you and your relative to enjoy greater peace of mind. A pharmacist can answer medication questions on the spot, avoiding delays in getting help.
Regular medicine reviews reduce the risk of harmful interactions (common when older people take multiple prescriptions).
Pharmacy consultations can be more convenient, with no need to wait weeks for a GP appointment for minor issues.
Accompanying carers and members of the family can receive explanations of treatment plans to help them support the patient.
When to See a Pharmacist vs a GP
Here are some tips to help guide you to the most appropriate form of treatment. If you are in any doubt as to the seriousness of an illness, call 111 for professional advice.
Look at the Symptoms
-
Minor illnesses or common conditions?
Go to the pharmacist first.
Examples: coughs, colds, sore throat, earache, hay fever, constipation, diarrhoea, UTIs (for women under Pharmacy First), minor skin rashes, mouth ulcers. -
Ongoing, worsening, or complex health issues?
Book an appointment with the GP.
Examples: unexplained pain, persistent cough, breathlessness, dizziness, memory problems, chronic illness flare-ups.
Think About Medicines
-
Questions about prescriptions or side effects?
Ask the pharmacist.
They can explain dosage, check interactions, and review all medicines your parent is taking. -
Need a change to treatment or diagnosis of a new condition?
That’s for the GP.
-
Need an ongoing plan of care?
See the GP, who can order tests, refer to specialists, or manage long-term health.
Safety Check
Always call 999 or go to A&E if your parent has:
-
Chest pain or suspected heart attack/stroke
-
Severe shortness of breath
-
Sudden confusion or collapse
-
Heavy bleeding or a serious injury
This article was written with the help of the AI research assistant ChatGTP. It is intended as a helpful guide only, and for any health concerns always consult a professional.
Image: Getty Images on Unsplash+