pharmacies give medical advice

I was asked to take a seat and wait as the pharmacist wanted to see me when i picked up my repeat prescription.
I have never had this happen before.
I was taken to a small private room and she went through the short list that I have, and advised me to wait at least six hours after taking Methotrexate as it is not compatible with any other medications.
I appreciated this info, as I have been taking my daily tablets at the same time.
My consultant never told me about this and I have been on this type of medication for my rheumatoid artheritis over two years now.
I always OK it with the pharmacist now if i am prescribed anything new

It's very usual in Europe for Pharmacists to do this service. A great and quick way when it's not strictly necessary to see the doctor, if it was they would recommend it straight away.

DD had a private consultation with her pharmacist and he recommended a product to help with her digestive problems, the result of having to take large doses of antibiotics after an accident several years previously.

Nothing the High Street or her GP suggested worked. The Pharmacist's recommendation returned everything to normal.

The system works very well in Norway. The small town we lived in had a chemists, where two rooms very available for private consultations. If you needed to see a pharmacist you took a ticket on entering and a seat in the waiting area. There were other staff available on the tills etc. They were quite strict about what they would sell over the counter without you first seeing the pharmacist. Also, in Norway you have to pay to see a doctor so I suppose that’s another reason the pharmacists are popular.

Definitely always use pharmacist before going to the doctors and I think it’s a brilliant idea It’s not new we have always used them since my children were small

Even the Tesco in store pharmacy that I use has a private room. I've had meds reviews done by the pharmacist.
DH used Boots as he goes into town more than me. Their pharmacist had to call our GP as he had prescribed a drug that didn't mix with DH's regular meds.
Pharmacists are very knowledgeable, I would consult one.

First point of call is our local pharmacy lovely man, so helpful and kind. However, if the lady pharmacist is on, we steer clear!!!

Many years ago (we're talking early 80's), I was going out with a French lad. One day he went out foraging and came back with a load of mushrooms/toadstools. He said that in France people take them to the pharmacist and they will tell them which are edible and which poisonous.
I told him that he wouldn't get that service in the UK, but he took them down to our local Boots anyway, and, to my amazement they did identify them all for him!

Good news - it probably doesn't work so well in the big city centre pharmacies, which are so busy with other things.
So it looks as if the pharmacists work like triage receptionists and nurses.
Still getting used to the NHS.

GP's ? It took mine 5 months before I was told that I'd had a TIA ! No follow up------nothing. It's a good job I'm a strong person both physically and mentally.

My daughter built up an excellent relationship with her local pharmacist at one point.
He was the only person to give her some much needed support.
Shame he left.

I'm all in favour although not with using a big chain pharmacy. Our lovely pharmacist is so helpful and when I was very ill used to give my prescription to DH and ensure I knew what to take and when and gave lots of advice. On another occasion I asked him if I needed to see the GP or not and he was very helpful. I love local pharmacies.

Getting a doctor's appointment is a nightmare where I am so I tend to ask at our pharmacy if I want some information. The last time I went though I was told to get myself to the GP NOW and ensure I see a doctor pronto!!!

I use a local independent chemist. He knows us and is always helpful with advice.

Apologies for the kisses. I'm also messaging the children!

I think it is a brilliant idea! Xx

A good pharmacy near me and I've known the owner for years and his parents before him so I've got no problem getting advice plus it's an added bonus when he knows my medication.

Same here. Never tried Boots have used a small, local pharmacy a couple of times. Was seated in the private room for about 10 minutes until the pharmacist was free, advice was thorough and seemed appropriate. A lot quicker than a surgery appointment, not sure how it would be if several people needed advice within a short period of time. I think the key is to say clearly medical advice is needed from the pharmacist.

Yes I certainly have on several occasions in a few different pharmacies and its been most helpful.

Both chemists near me have had a private room for anyone who needs advice from the pharmicist for a long time. Sometimes you have to wait if the pharmacist is busy but they’ll always see you.