Community Pharmacies Survey

Healthwatch Harrow wanted to understand whether local residents understood the role that community pharmacies could play in offering clinical advice and other health services. They undertook a survey to which 69 people responded.

A clear majority of respondents (91%) live within walking distance of a community pharmacy. Just a fifth (20%) say they know how to access out-of-hours (late night) pharmacy services.

Two thirds of respondents (67%) trust their pharmacist to give advice on medical issues. On services received, a broad majority (85%) use their pharmacy for prescriptions, with a notable 30% receiving vaccinations. Health advice and blood pressure checks are also utilised. Health checks, which are generally not offered, would be a welcome addition for some.

Staff are commented to be helpful, with telephone access, delivery services and extended opening hours appreciated. While a majority of respondents are happy to access advice, others doubt levels of training and qualifications, with staff turnover (limited continuity) and lack of privacy in-store also said to reduce confidence in asking questions.

It is felt that pharmacies could ‘do more’ to help relieve pressure on GPs.

A broad majority of respondents (87%) are prescribed medication from their GP. Systems for medication renewals are generally considered to be ‘easy and reliable’ with online and more traditional (paper form) methods cited. While newer systems are said to be ‘working well’, it is also commented that GP and pharmacy prescribing is ‘not joined up’ and that staff are not always conversant with the process – leading to mistakes, inconvenience if having to chase-up, and delays.

Many have said that obtaining a review appointment is difficult, particularly those with a face-to-face preference. It can also be a challenge to manage timings, with some now finding it ‘harder’ than before to remember when, for example, to renew.