Ten ways your pharmacist can help beyond scripts

We chat to pharmacist Renee Wynne from Terry White Chemmart Wynn Vale about what it means to be a pharmacist today, and what pharmacy services might help you and your family.

“I think being a pharmacist is about helping people with their health needs and providing whole health solutions,” Renee says. “It goes beyond just dispensing medication and it’s more about how do we look at helping their whole health.”

10 services you might not know your local pharmacy offers

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Eligible South Australian women aged 18-65 years with symptoms of uncomplicated UTI can get advice and treatment from trained pharmacists through SA Community Pharmacy UTI Services, without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription.

2. Oral Contraceptive Pill Resupply Services

South Australian women can speak to trained community pharmacists for advice and access to resupply of their oral contraceptive pill through SA Community Pharmacy Services without a doctor’s prescription, if they meet certain clinical criteria.

Speak to your local Health Partners participating pharmacist to learn more about UTI Services and the Oral Contraceptive Pill Resupply Services and if these services are right for you.

3. Issuing sick certificates

If you’ve picked up a cold and can’t get to work, it’s good know to know that you might be able to get your sick certificate at your local pharmacy.

Certificates can be provided for one day for the following:

1. Personal leave - if you are unable to work due to injury or personal illness
2. Carer’s leave - if you are required to look after someone who is unwell

“Issuing a certificate does depend on the pharmacist experience, qualifications and discretion. Also, if we feel the illness requires doctors’ advice, we will direct the patient to the doctor. “

4. Vaccinations

You can now receive a range of vaccinations at your local pharmacy - providing greater access to protecting your health. From flu and shingles to whooping cough vaccinations your Health Partners participating pharmacy offers a convenient way to stay up to date with your vaccinations. This service also now includes dispensing and administering vaccinations when travelling overseas.

“The main vaccinations people come in for would be flu and whooping cough,” Renee says. “I think the biggest benefit of having them available at the pharmacy is easier access. We’re providing people with an easy option to go and get it but still in a safe, professional environment.”

It’s worth knowing that children, over 65’s and people with chronic conditions might still be required to visit a GP for vaccinations.

5. Health checks

From heart health to weight, diet and medications, pharmacists can now help you monitor and manage your health in a range of ways. They’re able to check your blood pressure, give you a heart health check and suggest supplements and vitamins based on your overall health and symptoms.

“Usually people will book in for a full health check with us,” Renee explains. “They’ll have a blood pressure test, cholesterol test, have their BMI checked and cardiovascular risk assessed. We have a discussion of what their results should mean and if we need to refer them to their doctor. This is a great option for people who wouldn’t usually go to the doctor or haven’t had a checkup in a while.”

6. Treatment of coughs and colds

Next time you have a cold or chesty cough, and your symptoms aren’t too severe, think about visiting your pharmacist first. “We can assess your symptoms and decide if you need to be referred to a doctor for further attention,” Renee explains. “We can also help suggest products to combat your symptoms and help boost your immune system.”

7. Advice on wound care, minor sprains and strains

If your little one has had a fall during Saturday morning sport and a Band-Aid won’t quite fix it, you can head into your local pharmacy and ask for treatment advice. Most pharmacies stock a range of wound treatment dressings, creams and bandages, so you can take home what you need or even treat the wound in-store.

“Some pharmacies have wound care clinics so they will clean and dress wounds for patients,” Renee says. “People would have to book for that, but if your pharmacy doesn’t have a clinic, pharmacists can still provide product suggestions, care advice and whether a referral is required.”

8. Management of chronic conditions

If you or someone in your family is living with a chronic condition, pharmacists can be a great source of information and advice when it comes to helping manage your condition. “Heart health, asthma, diabetes, pain and mental health are all chronic conditions which pharmacists are able to advise and support patients with,” Renee outlines. Pharmacists can also review your medications for your condition with you to assist with your medicines knowledge and to improve therapy outcomes.

9. Medication management

Pharmacies offer a range of tools to help you manage medications - from reminders for script refills to packing services for those on multiple medications. These services can also support carers managing medicines for others, such as elderly parents or young children. Some even provide these packs for sports and active people who seek more convenience in managing their vitamins and supplements.

“Patients can leave their scripts with us and get SMS or app reminders,” Renee explains. “We also offer medication packing and reviews - either in-store or at home -where we go through any concerns and provide a clear medication list.

10. Manage your unwanted medicines

Pharmacists can help you manage your old, out of date and unwanted medicines. Storage of old, expired and unwanted medicines at home can be dangerous and unsafe, and flushing these down the toilet or in the bin can lead to environmental damage. Simply bring your unwanted medicines to your local pharmacy for free, safe and convenient disposal, Prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal or complementary supplements, or any gels, liquids, or creams can be returned.

If you aren’t sure if you medication is covered, speak to your local Health Partners participating pharmacist or learn more here.

More pharmacy services for South Aussies

Community pharmacists are increasingly being recognised as an essential part of the healthcare system. Many new pilot programs are being trialled in other states including management for overweight and obesity, acne, acute nausea and vomiting and travel health. It is likely that some of these services will make their way to South Aussie pharmacies in the coming years.

*20% Discount applies on the pharmacies full item price of most non-prescription products on presentation of Health Partners membership card for members with extras products, but excludes agency items (e.g. X-Lotto), selected franchise brands (e.g Chanel) and schedule 3 recordable medicines. Discount only available at Health Partners participating pharmacies. Pharmacies may choose, at their discretion, to apply the discount to items already discounted. Price matched items are considered to be discounted. Unlimited use. Conditions are in accordance with agreements held with our Health Partners participating pharmacies, which may change from time to time.

Health Partners doesn’t cover any consultation fees that may be associated with the services mentioned in this article. The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can't guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren't specifically endorsing them and can't accept responsibility for them.