National Pharmacy Association issues advice on accessing medicines during doctors’ industrial action

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has issued advice on how local pharmacies can help people during the day of industrial action called by the British Medical Association for Thursday.

Mike Holden, chief executive at the National Pharmacy Association said:

“We are in touch with our members and GP representatives about ensuring continuity of supply of medicines to patients in primary care, but we are not anticipating widespread problems with access to medicines and pharmaceutical care in the community.  Patients who take regular medication should plan ahead.  People who have a common ailment on the day can go to their local pharmacy for advice and treatment.” 

National Pharmacy Association’s advice on accessing medicines during the during doctors’ industrial action

Use your local pharmacy as first port of call for common ailments

Pharmacies can supply medicines to treat common ailments like diarrhea, sickness, rashes, eye infections, constipation, headaches and stomach aches.  You don’t need to book an appointment to see a pharmacist and all pharmacists are trained to know when a referral to another healthcare professional is advisable.   Most pharmacies now have a consultation area, where you can speak with the pharmacist without being overheard.

Plan ahead

If you take regular medicines, ask your GP for a repeat prescription in plenty of time before Thursday so they have enough time to process it.  

Locate your local pharmacies

Most people live within close distance of a pharmacy. You can locate a pharmacy using www.nhs.uk.

What if it’s an emergency, am I wasting my time going to my pharmacist?

The pharmacy is a good first point of contact for dealing with the vast majority of health concerns.  Pharmacists are trained to know when a referral to another health care professional is advisable.   Call 999 straight away if you have taken too much of any medicine, are experiencing an allergic reaction to a new medicine (such as wheezing, rash, swelling, fainting) or you are suffering a serious side effect. 

For further information, please contact the NPA Press Office on 01727 795901 or 07920 203051, or email s.white@npa.co.uk.

The NPA is the UK’s leading trade body for community pharmacy.  Its core purpose is to represent, support and protect the interests of all community pharmacy across the UK.