Azhar Sheikh is a community pharmacist based in the southside of Glasgow.
What is a Community Pharmacist?
Pharmacies have truly become the heart of healthcare in the community setting and are no longer just a place to collect your prescriptions. A community pharmacist offers advice to patients for a range of minor illnesses, helps to counsel patients on how to take their medicines safely, and recommends the most effective treatments. They also have consultation rooms where you can chat in private and have some conditions examined when appropriate.
How can they help you?
In addition to fulfilling prescriptions, the range of services that a community pharmacist provides has vastly changed in the last few years. They can now also treat conditions such as impetigo, shingles or urinary tract infections, so if you feel like you might have one of these, your pharmacist should be your first stop. No appointment is required.
Community pharmacists are also good to help advise with colds and flu. Many viruses are not treatable with antibiotics, but community pharmacists can help with various over-the-counter medicines to help you feel comfortable and alleviate the symptoms you may be experiencing.
How can you speak to a Community Pharmacist?
Your local pharmacist is available to speak to you during the day whether that’s you going to the pharmacy or simply phoning them.
Find your closest community pharmacy on the NHS Inform Pharmacies webpage.