Why You Should Visit Your Local Pharmacy First

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Pharmacies in Forth Valley are much more than just places to pick up prescriptions. They’re fast becoming the first stop for health advice and treatment, helping to bridge gaps and support health care colleagues across the area.

What Services Do Pharmacies Provide?

Pharmacy First service

All local pharmacists in Forth Valley can provide free treatment and expert advice for a wide range of common conditions through a scheme call Pharmacy First – no GP appointment or prescription needed. This includes conditions such as sinusitis, sore throat, earache, insect bites, impetigo, shingles and urinary tract infections. They can also provide

  • Emergency contraception and a three-month supply of the progestogen-only pill
  • Antibiotics for children and young people, including penicillin for children aged 5 and over with acute sore throats and flucloxacillin for skin infections

Pharmacy First Plus

Is an additional service available in over 35 pharmacies across the Forth Valley area which have pharmacists who are experienced prescribers and therefore able provide advice and treatment for a wider range of clinical conditions than the Pharmacy First service. This includes antibiotics, if appropriate, for more complex conditions like chest infections, sore ears, sore throats, ear infections and sinusitis which can help avoid the need for you to visit your local GP Practice.

You can finds details of local pharmacies providing the Pharmacy First Plus service on our website. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to check if a prescribing pharmacist is available before visiting the pharmacy.

Other Pharmacy Services & Winter Health Advice

Local pharmacies also provide a range of other services including support to stop smoking, an urgent supply of your regular medication if you’ve ran out and carry out medication reviews.  For more details see the Pharmacy services section of our website and visit the Winter Zone for details of local health services, support and advice over the Winter period.