Pharmacy Services

Healthwatch Bolton undertook research on pharmacy services in Bolton. They spoke to 102 people in community pharmacies and at Royal Bolton Hospital to understand experiences of pharmacy services, medicines management, medicines waste and awareness of additional services offered by pharmacies. 

The research found that people were generally very positive about their local pharmacies and valued the accessibility, convenience and advice provided by pharmacists. Many described strong and supportive relationships with pharmacy staff and felt pharmacists were an important source of information about medicines and minor health concerns. However, awareness of additional pharmacy services was low. Most people were familiar only with dispensing services, and just 5% were aware of the Minor Ailments Scheme, although those who had used it were very positive about its benefits. 

Participants were generally satisfied with the information they received about their medicines but raised concerns about occasional shortages of prescribed medicines, difficulties caused by changes in packaging or the use of generic versions of regular medications, and problems linked to electronic prescription systems. Most people reported that they did not stockpile medicines, although some examples of over-supply and unused medication were identified. Many respondents also felt that pharmacy-based treatment for minor ailments could help reduce pressure on GP services and avoid unnecessary appointments. 

Healthwatch Bolton concluded that pharmacy services were highly valued but underused beyond their dispensing role. The report recommended improving public awareness of additional pharmacy services, promoting the availability of minor ailments schemes, improving communication about generic medicines and medicines disposal, addressing inconsistencies in electronic prescribing processes, and ensuring medicines waste initiatives are targeted appropriately.