Pharmacies: questions and Band 8 answers

Not very often, to be honest. I'm quite fortunate that I rarely fall ill, so I only pop into one every couple of months. Usually, it's just to pick up basic painkillers or plasters if I run out at home.

Yes, there's a small chemist just at the end of my street, about a five-minute walk from my flat. It’s really convenient because the staff are lovely and they keep all the essentials in stock, so I never have to travel far.

Most of the time, it’s just over-the-counter medicine like cough syrup, throat lozenges, or allergy tablets during the summer. Occasionally, I'll pick up everyday toiletries as well, like sun cream or dental floss, since they have a decent selection.

For minor ailments like a lingering cold or a mild headache, I definitely prefer speaking to a pharmacist. It saves time waiting for a GP appointment, and they can usually recommend an effective remedy right on the spot.

I think so, yes. In the past, they mainly just dispensed prescription drugs, but nowadays many of them offer health check-ups and travel vaccinations. You can even order medication through mobile apps and collect it without waiting in a queue.