Help other families feel confident using pharmacy services

Every family’s experience with pharmacies is different.

You might have:

• Visited for advice about your child
• Received treatment without needing a GP
• Found it helpful (or challenging) to access support
• Had questions about medications or services

Your experience can help others feel more comfortable and informed.

Why Sharing Matters

By sharing your experience, you can:

• Help others understand what pharmacies can offer
• Reduce uncertainty about using pharmacy services
• Encourage families to seek help earlier
• Highlight what works well — and where improvements are needed

What You Might Want to Share

You are welcome to share:

• Your experience speaking to a pharmacist
• How easy it was to get help
• What advice or treatment you received
• Whether it helped you avoid a GP visit
• Any challenges you experienced

Many pharmacies offer additional services, including:

Vaccinations

• Flu vaccines
• Other NHS vaccination services (in some locations)

Health Checks

• Blood pressure checks
• Basic health screenings

Emergency Medication

• Emergency contraception
• Urgent prescription supply (in some cases)

Advice and Signposting

• Guidance on when to see a GP
• Referral to other services
• Advice on managing long‑term conditions

Why Pharmacies Matter

Pharmacies are:

• Local and easy to access
• Often open extended hours
• A trusted source of professional advice

They can be a helpful first step when something doesn’t feel right.

Some people are entitled to free NHS prescriptions.

You may qualify if you are:

• Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• Receiving certain benefits
• A child under a certain age

👉 If eligible, you can apply for an exemption certificate so you don’t pay for prescriptions.

Pharmacists can also:

• Explain how exemptions work
• Help you understand what you’re entitled to

Visiting a pharmacy is simple and informal.

Step 1 – Speak to the Pharmacist

You can:

• Walk in without an appointment
• Speak privately if needed

They may ask:

• What symptoms you or your child have
• How long symptoms have been present
• Any relevant medical history

Step 2 – Advice or Treatment

The pharmacist may:

• Offer reassurance and guidance
• Recommend over‑the‑counter treatment
• Provide medication through NHS services (where applicable)

Step 3 – Next Steps (if needed)

If further care is needed, they may:

• Recommend seeing a GP
• Refer you to another NHS service
• Advise on urgent care if necessary

👉 Their role is to make sure you receive the right level of care safely.

For many minor illnesses, you don’t need to see a GP first.

Through NHS services (including Pharmacy First), pharmacists can:

• Provide advice and treatment
• Recommend or supply appropriate medication
• Offer support without a GP appointment

This can help you:

• Get help more quickly
• Avoid long waits
• Receive care locally and conveniently

👉 If symptoms are more serious, the pharmacist will always guide you to the right service.

Local pharmacies are often one of the quickest and easiest ways to get health advice and treatment — without needing to wait for a GP appointment.

Across London, pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice, treatment, and support for a wide range of everyday health concerns.

At Basch Helps, we want families to feel confident using pharmacy services as part of their overall healthcare support — especially when quick, accessible help is needed.

What Can Pharmacies Help With?

Pharmacies can support with many common health concerns, including:

Everyday Illnesses and Ailments

• Coughs, colds, and sore throats
• Fever or minor infections
• Skin conditions (e.g. rashes, eczema)
• Stomach issues
• Minor pain or discomfort

Children’s Health Advice

• Guidance on common childhood illnesses
• Advice on medications and dosing
• Support if you’re unsure whether to see a GP

Medication Support

• Dispensing prescriptions
• Advice on how to take medicines safely
• Help managing ongoing treatments

How Basch Helps Connects with Pharmacy Support

At Basch Helps, we encourage families to use all available support where appropriate.

Pharmacies can:

• Provide early advice
• Help manage minor illnesses quickly
• Reduce pressure on GP services
• Support families before issues escalate

Combined with services like ours, this helps create a stronger overall support system.