Local pharmacies play leading role in healthcare

THE role of pharmacies in local communities is one that has changed considerably in recent years meeting the needs of customers in a more holistic and professional capacity. This is a feature of community life that is not only vital but also expected by people as pharmacies are now a one-stop-shop when it comes to catering for a whole range of medical matters and healthy advice.

Today’s pharmacies offer experience and a professional service to customers as they forge links within the communities they serve. The change in recent years is partly down to a pharmacist’s role being much broader in terms of offering advice, while secondly meeting the vast increases in products, medications and health advice, all of which have substantially increased in recent years.

Today’s environment is also a transitory one with people on the go all the time and the pharmacy must keep pace with this lifestyle. They are an important cog in the wheel of medical care and today’s pharmacies offer a more expansive service in a prime retail setting. They are essential and informative for public awareness campaigns that fall outside the remit of core medical centres.

This sort of daily interaction between the pharmacist and customer also provides educational information and feedback to the professional medical sector from the public. For example, pharmacies are vital for patients with chronic conditions as they have the opportunity to engage with the patient and monitor the feedback they give on the effectiveness of certain medications.

The pharmacy is often the first point of contact for patients and members of the public seeking advice, care and treatment. It is the responsibility of pharmacies to keep in a constant state of evolution as they meet the changing demands required of the sector. Pharmacies are also best placed to discuss with patients any potential side effects from medication in simple layman’s terms, which is a source of comfort and familiarity for patients. Pharmacists also have the time and clinical expertise to make a difference in how patients manage chronic conditions for which multiple medications may be subscribed.

Whether it’s for eye or hearing care, important medications, make-up, dietary advice, or just a simple cough bottle, your local pharmacy has it covered.