With NHS GP waiting times averaging 2–3 weeks in many parts of the UK, the community pharmacy has never been more important as a primary healthcare resource. Pharmacists are the most accessible and underutilised healthcare professionals in the country — and most people don’t know half of what they can do for you.
Who Is a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists complete a 4-year MPharm degree followed by a 1-year pre-registration training year and a national registration exam. They are trained in pharmacology, physiology, pathology, clinical pharmacy practice, and public health. They are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which maintains a public register at pharmacyregulation.org. Many community pharmacists have completed additional clinical qualifications, enabling them to prescribe medicines as independent prescribers — meaning they can prescribe prescription-only medicines in their own right for conditions within their competence.
The NHS Pharmacy First Service
Since February 2024, NHS Pharmacy First has significantly expanded what pharmacists can do without a GP referral. Pharmacists can now assess and treat seven common conditions including sore throat, earache, sinusitis, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles and uncomplicated UTIs in women — providing prescription medicines where clinically appropriate, completely free on the NHS. This is a major change that millions of people are not yet aware of. If you have any of these conditions, try your pharmacy before your GP — you’ll usually be seen the same day.
What Else Can Your Pharmacist Do?
Free blood pressure check (NHS). Medication review — check for interactions, side effects, dose optimisation. Advice on OTC medicines and supplements. Smoking cessation support with NRT. Seasonal vaccinations (flu, COVID, travel). Weight management advice. Referral to appropriate services (GP, specialist, social care). Emergency supply of urgent medication if you’ve run out. New medicine service — structured support for people starting a new regular medication.
Shopping Safely from an Online Pharmacy
Huncoat Pharmacy’s online service allows you to access GPhC-registered pharmacy services and a comprehensive range of OTC products without leaving home. We offer same-day dispatch (Mon–Fri, before 5pm) and free same-day prescription delivery within Accrington. All OTC products requiring a pharmacist consultation are managed by a qualified pharmacist. Look for our NHS-approved distance selling logo to confirm our regulated status.
Visit Huncoat Pharmacy in store in Accrington or shop online. We’re here for your health.