Ask your local pharmacy for advice
Pharmacies, also known as chemists, can be found on high streets across Stockport.
Many are open when other health services may not be available.
Pharmacists are clinically trained to give professional advice on managing the symptoms of minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, earache and common childhood ailments. They can advise you on staying well by stopping smoking, keeping active and having a healthy diet.
They can also signpost you to further treatment and support and can answer questions about medicines you may have been prescribed.
You don’t need to book an appointment to speak to your pharmacist and can ask for a private chat. Most pharmacies have an area where you can talk in confidence. You can find out more about the range of services offered by pharmacies on the NHS website.
Find a pharmacy in Stockport that’s convenient for you. Just put in your postcode and the address of the nearest pharmacies, along with their opening times, will be listed.
Pharmacy First
You can get treatment for 7 common conditions at many local pharmacies, without needing a GP appointment or prescription.
The 7 common conditions are:
- sinusitis for adults and children aged 12 years and over
- sore throat for adults and children aged 5 years and over
- earache for children and young adults aged 1 year to 17 years
- infected insect bite for adults and children aged 1 year and over
- impetigo (a bacterial skin infection) for adults and children aged 1 year and over
- shingles for adults aged 18 and over
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections for women aged 16 to 64 years
The pharmacist will be able to speak to you privately in a separate consultation room. They may examine you or ask to access your medical records. The pharmacist will recommend the best treatment for you which may include prescribing antibiotics or antivirals.
You'll need to pay for any medicines unless you're eligible for free NHS prescriptions. You can find more information on free NHS prescriptions at GOV.UK.
Minor ailments scheme
You may be eligible to use the Greater Manchester minor ailments scheme if you meet certain criteria or are on a low income. It's offered by some local pharmacies and provides free advice and medicine where appropriate, to help you treat and manage a range of minor ailments and conditions. You do not need to see your GP before using the service.