Under the ‘Care at the Chemist’ scheme, patients may obtain free over the counter medicines from 30 pharmacies in the district if they are exempt from prescription charges. Patients are registered on the scheme and given a passport to allow them to discuss with the pharmacist minor ailments such as head lice, coughs, colds and simple pain.

The pharmacist will decide if providing a medicine is appropriate. Patients have easier access to medicines, local pharmacists are used for professional advice and GP appointments can be used for patients with more serious ailments. Our local pharmacy in Rainford is part of the scheme.

You can also speak to the pharmacist if you are suffering with a minor eye infection (not applicable to children under 1 year of age) or if you are a woman suffering with cystitis (a water infection). Under this new service your pharmacist may be able to prescribe an antibiotic to treat your symptoms.

If you normally have to pay for your prescriptions, the maximum amount you would pay is the normal prescription charge, regardless of the cost of the medication the Pharmacist prescribes.

You can get medicines free of charge under these schemes if you:

• Are under 16 years of age
• Are over 65 years of age
• Hold a current prescription exemption certificate

For further details about ‘Care at the Chemist’ please ask at Rainford Pharmacy or pick up a leaflet from the surgery.

Treat Yourself at the Chemist

Have You Got One of the Following Ailments?

• Allergy/Hay fever
• Athletes Foot
• Cold Sores
• Chesty Cough
• Cold
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Dry Cough
• Head Lice
• Headache/Temperature
• Indigestion
• Nasal Congestion
• Oral Thrush
• Sore Throat
• Threadworms
• Vaginal Thrush

If so, you do not have to wait for an appointment with your doctor, you can go to one of the Care at the Chemist pharmacies and receive advice and treatment form your pharmacist free of charge*.

Registration onto the scheme is simple. Please ask at reception or any pharmacy.

* Medication is free of charge for those patients exempt from prescription charges.