More on the community pharmacy service

Community pharmacies across England are able to offer an NHS blood pressure check service to people over 40, as an easy and convenient way for you to get to know your numbers.

If you are found to have a confirmed high blood pressure reading, the pharmacist can follow up with further monitoring, over a 24-hour period, and urgently refer you for further treatment if it should be needed.

Your blood pressure readings are sent to your GP from the community pharmacy, so your records can be updated and appropriate action taken.

You can use the online tool to find pharmacies near you which offer blood pressure checks.

It's really worth taking a look at the information linked above or popping into your local community pharmacy today to ask if they are providing the blood pressure check service as the first you know of it could be as serious as a stroke of heart attack.

If you would like to know more about the risks associated with high blood pressure and the changes you can make visit our blood pressure information page.

This service launched on 1st December 2023, allowing for both initiation and on-going supply of oral contraception, offering greater choice from where people can access contraception services.

You can use this service if you:

• are using the contraceptive pill for the first time
• are starting the contraceptive pill again after a break from taking it
• already been prescribed the contraceptive pill and require a further supply

You can access this service by being referred from your GP, sexual health clinic or urgent treatment centre or you can self-refer by walking in to a community pharmacy offering the service and asking for an appointment.

The pharmacist has gone through robust training to provide the service and will work with you to choose the most appropriate oral contraceptive for your needs.

The pharmacist with your consent can share the consultation outcome with your GP to keep your records up to date, but don’t worry, the consultation can still proceed if you do not wish for information to be shared with your GP.

Please use the following link to show which pharmacies are currently offering this service. Find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

This service allows you to collect your regular repeat prescription medicines direct from your local pharmacy for an agreed period of time, without having to go back to your GP.

You will need to give your permission to your GP for him/her to share information with your chosen pharmacist. When you need your prescription, instead of requesting it from your GP, you will be able to get your medicines directly from your local pharmacy.

A service for people receiving their first prescription for a medicine to treat long term conditions. (certain medicines only).

If you have any medicines that you no longer use, you can take them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

Other services that may be available at your local pharmacy:

• emergency and oral contraception
• asthma inhaler use and advice
• chlamydia screening and treatment
• stop smoking service
• substance misuse service, including needle and syringe exchange schemes
• weight management service
• flu and COVID-19 vaccinations