When Rebecca Strickson noticed a sudden flare-up of itchy eczema on her body last year, she initially put it down to the cold seasonal weather.
However, when it didn’t improve and continued to become more uncomfortable, she was concerned the condition was being made worse by a cosmetic product she had started using.
Searching for some advice, the 43-year-old initially turned to her GP but couldn't get an appointment that suited her.
Rebecca, an illustrator and designer who lives in Margate, then found help in a place she hadn’t previously considered.
“I'm a regular customer at Boots, and although I'd never sought help from them before, I remembered that they offer advice for minor ailments such as this,” she said.
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“I was in the store picking up a repeat prescription, so I thought I’d speak to the pharmacist while I was there.
"They were so helpful. They recommended a product that could help my eczema, and gave me guidance on how often to use it. They were very knowledgeable.
From sore throats to earaches, Boots pharmacists can offer advice on a range of common minor health concerns (Boots)"The service they provided was fast, and the pharmacy team there was so friendly.
"If you have any minor health concerns, but haven't sought help from your local pharmacist before, I would certainly recommend it. It's a great way to get quick, professional advice.”
Boots pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer clinical advice on many common minor health concerns - from temporary aches and pains, to sore throats, skin rashes and earaches - and if appropriate, recommend an over-the-counter treatment.
If symptoms suggest it's something more serious, they can signpost you to a healthcare provider or service to get the right help. This might be a GP, local out-of-hours service, or another healthcare provider.
As well as providing advice on minor illnesses, Boots pharmacy team members can also give guidance on issues like emergency contraception, advice on any prescribed medication, and offer many private services such as travel health services.
Most Boots pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.
Over 4,300 Boots pharmacists are working across the UK, and with 80 percent of people in England within a 10 minutes of a Boots store, there may likely be someone on hand to help close to home.
Rebecca Strickson benefitted from a quick service at her local Boots pharmacyYou won’t need an appointment either. Depending on pharmacist availability, you can simply walk in and get healthcare advice.
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"My local Boots store is just 10 minutes away, and I know that I can go in at a time that's convenient for me, that fits around my work,” adds Rebecca.
“I feel confident that I could turn to them if I felt that I needed some immediate care. I also feel that when possible, it's good to help take some pressure off the NHS.”
Customers can also manage prescriptions for themselves and family members through Boots Online Prescriptions. The service allows you to order, manage and track prescriptions online and collect from a Boots store, or have them delivered for free*.
It’s easy to switch prescriptions to Boots and you don’t need to visit a GP - the pharmacy team will do it for you in-store.
“My local pharmacy also handles my prescriptions through the Boots Online Pharmacy service,” says Rebecca.
“I have around four repeat prescriptions, and it’s so easy to manage. Boots also text me when they are ready to pick up.”
To find out more, visit www.boots.com/healthhub/pharmacy-first
*Free delivery via Royal Mail is only available for patients registered with a GP in England. However, the option to collect in-store is available for all customers registered with a participating GP anywhere in the UK. Subject to availability. Prescription charges may apply.
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