HUW FINDS OUT ABOUT SERVICES OFFERED BY LOCAL PHARMACIES
06.10.2015 for immediate release: Huw Merriman, the MP for Bexhill and Battle, recently visited ‘Trackside’ pharmacy in Bexhill to see the wide range of services offered.
Community Pharmacies not only dispense prescriptions but offer services to support self-care in the community such as smoking cessation, sexual health advice, help with the safe use of medicines and assistance to care homes.
The visit was an opportunity to discuss with Ceri McEwan, pharmacist, the recent announcement in pharmacy about the free NHS flu vaccination service from community pharmacies starting later this year. Adults entitled to flu vaccinations will be able to get them administered in pharmacies on a walk-in basis, rather than having to attend a GP surgery on a particular day and time.
Being open daytime, evenings and at the weekend, Community Pharmacies are accessible without an appointment to provide advice about common ailments, health and medicines. The range of products obtainable from community pharmacies for the management of common ailments is wider than ever before and in every Community Pharmacy there is a Pharmacist available to help people understand and use their medicines better.
Huw Merriman was enthusiastic about how community pharmacy can help local people live healthier “I was aware that local pharmacies are an important aspect of community healthcare, but this visit has demonstrated to me the wide range of help and services they can provide. Pharmacies, that open from early morning till late at night seven days a week provide essential advice and help for local people on a wide range of ailments. These services complement and support our local GP and acute health services.”