Do you REALLY need to see the doctor?

Need doctor - pharmacist, NHS Direct. practice nurse

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Doctors are harder than ever to get an appointment with. But don't worry if you can't get in to see your GP. There are other experts that can help too...

Your pharmacist

Your pharmacist or chemist is an expert and she knows far more than you might think about every day ailments, medications and conditions. Best of all, you don't have to make an appointment to see her, although you may have to wait a couple of minutes if she's busy. A new report has also said that chemists are to get more powers to be able to give vaccinations and give health MOTs.

See your pharmacist if:
1. You have symptoms which are bothering you but you don't think are serious. She can advise you to either try an over-the-counter remedy or to make an appointment with your GP.
2. You or your children have coughs, colds or other minor ailments that you can't seem to shift but don't want to bother the doctor about.
3. You want advice about giving up smoking, losing weight or lowering your blood pressure. There are many products available at the chemist to help you with these too and she can advise you how to use them.
4. You have an embarrassing but minor problem such as diarrhoea or cystitis and want to know how to help yourself.
5. You need emergency contraception. Many pharmacists can give you the morning after pill, which you can take up to 48 hours after having unprotected sex.

Remember: You can ask to speak to the pharmacist privately - you don't have to stand on the shop floor discussing your piles!

TIP Many bigger pharmacies also offer other services such as diabetes testing, Flu vaccination and chlamydia screening. Some will even collect your prescription for you from the GP - so all you have to do is pick it up when it's ready. For more information go to www.boots.com