In Dudley, West Midlands, Olutayo Arikawe, a community pharmacist with almost two decades of experience, is one of those making a difference on the frontlines of community health.

“When people come to the pharmacy, it’s usually to pick up a prescription,” she says. “But we can actually help with so much more than that.”

Over the last 20 years, the role of pharmacists has expanded dramatically. As well as dispensing medicines, they can now provide advice, offer some health checks, and in many cases supply prescription-only medicines for certain conditions, without patients having to see a doctor first.

Fast, local and convenient healthcare

For many people, finding time to book a GP appointment can be difficult. That’s where pharmacists like Olutayo step in.

“We’re all so busy, but we all know how important it is to stay healthy,” she says. “Getting quick medical advice from your local pharmacist means you can manage your other priorities without neglecting your health.”

Community pharmacies are open, accessible, and often located within walking distance. Most also have private consultation rooms for confidential conversations, meaning you can speak to a qualified professional about your symptoms without the stress or delay of a GP visit.

Trained to help, and ready to listen

All community pharmacists in the UK undergo at least five years of training in the safe use of medicines and managing minor conditions. That expertise allows them to treat a range of illnesses, and when needed, provide certain prescription medications directly.

Depending on your age and symptoms, pharmacists can prescribe treatment for:

Earache (ages 1–17)

Impetigo (1 year and over)

Infected insect bites (1 year and over)

Shingles (18 years and over)

Sinusitis (12 years and over)

Sore throat (5 years and over)

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)

Oral contraception (women aged 16–64)

The emergency contraceptive pill (women aged 16–64)

“If it’s appropriate, we can give prescription medicines like antibiotics or antivirals for some of these conditions,” Olutayo explains. “You don’t need an appointment, you can just walk in.”

More than medicine

Beyond medical advice, Olutayo values the relationships she’s built with local patients over the years.

“I love seeing familiar faces and catching up with people about their lives,” she says. “Those personal connections, like you might have with your GP, local shopkeeper, or postman, make us all feel part of our community.”

She recalls cases where people delayed seeking help for minor symptoms, only to have them worsen later.

“My advice is: don’t just ‘wait and see’. Come in and talk to us. If it’s something more serious, we’ll make sure you get to the right NHS service.”

Take control of your health

Whether you need advice about a sore throat, contraception, or a prescription refill, your pharmacist is there to help, without the wait.

“It’s simple, convenient, and it saves people time,” Olutayo says. “Even though this is Ask Your Pharmacist Week, you can always ask your pharmacist, any time.”

For more information, visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst.