Public Experience of Community Pharmacies in Cheshire

Healthwatch Cheshire surveyed 103 residents to understand how people use community pharmacies and how aware they are of the services pharmacies provide. The findings showed that pharmacies are highly valued local services, with most people using them primarily for prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. Many respondents described their local pharmacy as an important community resource, praising the accessibility, convenience and helpfulness of staff.

The survey found that awareness of Minor Ailments Schemes was mixed. While 56% of respondents in Cheshire East and 74% in Cheshire West knew that pharmacists could prescribe medicines for certain minor conditions, many people were unclear about which ailments could be treated through these schemes. Despite this uncertainty, 59% of respondents in Cheshire East and 70% in Cheshire West reported having received advice or treatment for minor ailments from a pharmacy. 

Respondents were generally positive about the quality of pharmacy services, highlighting good customer service, efficient prescription dispensing and helpful advice. However, concerns were raised about the potential loss of local pharmacies, limited Saturday opening hours in some rural areas, parking difficulties at pharmacies located within health centres and occasional delays with prescriptions.

Healthwatch concluded that community pharmacies are a widely used and trusted part of local healthcare, but that awareness of additional services could be improved. The report recommended raising public awareness of Minor Ailments Schemes and the range of services that pharmacies can provide, helping more people access appropriate treatment without needing a GP appointment.