Medicines & Pharmacy

Supporting Health, Wellbeing & Positive Futures Medicines play an important role in preventing illness, treating health conditions, relieving symptoms, and supporting long-term health. NHS pharmacists, GPs, hospitals, and community pharmacies work together to help people use medicines safely and effectively. This guide explains NHS pharmacy services, prescriptions, legal rights, accessible support, medication safety, and practical advice for adults, children, parents, carers, and people with long-term conditions. Emergency: Call 999 if someone has collapsed, is unconscious, is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), has difficulty breathing after taking medicine, or has taken a dangerous overdose. For urgent medicine advice that is not life-threatening, contact NHS 111 or your local pharmacist. ( NHS 111 )

Understanding NHS Pharmacy Services

Community pharmacies provide much more than dispensing medicines.

They can help with:

• Minor illnesses
• Prescription medicines
• Repeat prescriptions
• Emergency medicine supply (where appropriate)
• Medication advice
• Medicine reviews
• Blood pressure checks (at participating pharmacies)
• Contraception services (at participating pharmacies)
• Smoking cessation support
• Vaccinations (at participating pharmacies)
• Healthy lifestyle advice

Many pharmacy services are available without needing a GP appointment.

Official NHS information:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/

Prescriptions

A prescription is issued by an authorised healthcare professional when a medicine is clinically appropriate.

Prescriptions may be issued by:

• GP
• Hospital doctor
• Dentist
• Nurse prescriber
• Pharmacist prescriber
• Specialist clinician

Always check:

• Your name
• Medicine name
• Dose
• Instructions
• Expiry date
• Any allergies recorded

If you are unsure how to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist before leaving.

Prescription Charges (England)

In England, most adults pay a standard NHS prescription charge unless they qualify for an exemption.

Current charges change periodically, so always check the official NHS page:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/prescription-costs/

Free Prescriptions

You may qualify for free NHS prescriptions if you meet certain eligibility criteria, including some age groups, pregnancy-related exemptions, qualifying medical conditions, or qualifying benefits. Eligibility can change, so check the official guidance before applying or claiming an exemption. (NHS Prescription Costs)

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Official information:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions allow regular medicines to be supplied without needing a new prescription every time.

You can request repeat prescriptions through:

• NHS App
• GP online services
• GP surgery
• Community pharmacy

Many people use the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), which sends prescriptions directly to a nominated pharmacy.

Official information:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/electronic-prescription-service/

Pharmacy First

The NHS Pharmacy First service allows participating pharmacies to assess and treat several common conditions without a GP appointment.

Depending on eligibility and local service arrangements, pharmacists may assess and provide treatment or appropriate referral for conditions such as:

• Sore throat
• Earache
• Sinusitis
• Infected insect bites
• Shingles
• Impetigo
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (for eligible patients)

If your condition is more serious, the pharmacist will advise you to contact your GP, NHS 111, or attend urgent care.

Official information:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Many common conditions can be treated using medicines purchased without a prescription.

Examples include:

• Pain relief
• Hay fever medicines
• Cough remedies
• Cold remedies
• Antacids
• Indigestion medicines
• Allergy medicines
• Oral rehydration products
• Creams for minor skin conditions

Always:

• Read the patient information leaflet.
• Follow dosing instructions carefully.
• Keep medicines out of children's reach.
• Check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have long-term health conditions.

Medication Reviews

People taking regular medicines should have periodic medication reviews.

Medication reviews help to:

• Check medicines are still needed.
• Reduce side effects.
• Prevent harmful interactions.
• Improve effectiveness.
• Simplify treatment.
• Discuss concerns.
• Support adherence.

Medication reviews may be carried out by:

• GP
• Practice pharmacist
• Community pharmacist
• Hospital pharmacist
• Specialist clinician

Bring all your medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products.

Medicines for Children

Parents should:

• Give medicines exactly as instructed.
• Use correct measuring devices.
• Store medicines safely.
• Never give adult medicines unless advised.
• Check expiry dates.
• Keep a medication record for long-term conditions.

Seek urgent medical advice if a child:

• Develops breathing difficulties after taking medicine.
• Has a severe allergic reaction.
• Takes an accidental overdose.
• Becomes difficult to wake.
• Develops seizures.

Medicines for Older People

Older adults may take several medicines at once.

Ask for regular medication reviews if:

• Medicines are causing side effects.
• You feel dizzy.
• You have fallen.
• Memory problems affect medication.
• You struggle to swallow tablets.
• You think medicines are no longer helping.

Legal Rights

Under the NHS Constitution for England, patients have rights to:

• Safe care
• High-quality treatment
• Information about medicines
• Informed consent
• Access to health records
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Making complaints
• Involvement in decisions

Official:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

Equality & Accessibility Rights

Under the Equality Act 2010, disabled patients may request reasonable adjustments.

You can ask for:

• Easy Read medicine information
• Large print labels
• Braille
• Audio information
• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter
• Spoken language interpreter
• Easy-open packaging (where available)
• Compliance aids (such as monitored dosage systems, where clinically appropriate)
• Home delivery (where offered)
• Carer involvement where appropriate

The Accessible Information Standard requires NHS organisations to identify, record and meet communication needs.

Official:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/accessible-information-standard/

Evidence Standards

Keep copies of:

• Prescription lists
• Medication reviews
• Hospital discharge medicines
• Allergy information
• Side effect diary
• Appointment letters
• Blood test results
• Pharmacy advice
• Repeat prescription requests
• Complaint correspondence

Ask for:

• Current medication list
• Written medicine instructions
• Side effect information
• Medication review summary
• Copies of hospital medicine changes

Accountability

If you have concerns about medicines:

Step 1

Speak with:

• Pharmacist
• GP
• Hospital pharmacist
• Prescribing clinician

Step 2

Contact the NHS service provider.

Step 3

Use the NHS complaints procedure.

Step 4

If unresolved, you may ask the:

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

Official:

https://www.ombudsman.org.uk

Practical Questions to Ask

• Why am I taking this medicine?
• How long should I take it?
• What are the side effects?
• Can it interact with other medicines?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Can I drink alcohol?
• Is there a cheaper or alternative medicine?
• When should it be reviewed?

Useful NHS & GOV.UK Resources

NHS Pharmacy Services

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/

Pharmacy First

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/

Prescription Costs

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/prescription-costs/

NHS Low Income Scheme

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

Electronic Prescription Service

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/electronic-prescription-service/

NHS App

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

NHS 111

https://111.nhs.uk

Accessible Information Standard

https://www.england.nhs.uk/accessible-information-standard/

NHS Complaints

https://www.nhs.uk/contact-us/how-to-complain-to-the-nhs/

NHS Constitution

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

https://www.ombudsman.org.uk

Quick Checklist

✔ Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
✔ Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about medicines or side effects.
✔ Request regular medication reviews if you take long-term medicines.
✔ Use Pharmacy First for eligible common illnesses where available.
✔ Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
✔ Request accessible information or reasonable adjustments if needed.
✔ Raise concerns promptly and use the NHS complaints process if medication-related care falls below expected standards.