Being quizzed by chemist's assistant in Boots.

I have not used Boots, apart from one time, since they were taken over by Walgreens as I'm none too keen on the Americanization of this country. I went in and asked if they had a disposal service for the lancets I use for my daily blood tests and received short shrift from the pharmacist and went elsewhere! Seriously by falling for the latest government nonsense about going to the pharmacist 1st just allows Sunak and co to massage their dodgy figures even further. Toodlepip.

Pharmacists are far more knowledgeable about drugs than most doctors, who tend to rely heavily upon 'accepted practice', bolstered by literature pushed at them by Big Pharma's agents. They do tend to flag unsuitable drug combinations, and rightly so.

In addition, it is normal in France, where pharmacists don't even have a consulting role (yet), for there to be a confidentality line in pharmacies, meaning that the person at the counter is at least 2m away from the next person in the queue. This should not be difficult for UK pharmacies to arrange.

In 2014 I went to the pharmacy with chest pains, aching jaw, nausea and pain between shoulder blades the pharmacist prescribed gaviscon. The next morning feeling no better I called 111 and was admitted to hospital having had a heart attack - I did complain to the pharmacy afterwards about being treated for indigestion when it wasn’t ( the hospital could tell from elevated blood levels that it had occurred the day before) the pharmacist just said oh must have happened after he spoke to me !

I don’t mind answering questions in a private place. I’m not at all easily embarrassed but think it is common courtesy to be given a place away from the inevitable queue to talk. I also don’t think it’s up to the receptionist/pharmacy assistant to make a judgement on whether they will permit you to see the required person. They are information gatherers and are NOT medically trained to triage you. Unfortunately this often happens and is extremely irritating. I am polite but very firm. I will not be fobbed off! If the OP is uncomfortable with being asked personal questions so publicly, then request a quiet corner if no room is available. You honestly get treated better at the vets sometimes. But then, of course you are paying while we are encouraged to believe the NHS is ‘free’.

Like at the drs you do not have to explain you simply say I’m sorry but I’d rather not discuss it for everyone else’s ears it’s a personal matter and they will not ask you anything else about it and put you through to a dr etc. I was standing explaining my condition one day and then I took my seat a lady behind me said it was a personal issue and she wasn’t asked anything else when she sat down next to me she said next time say what I said it’s your business not the guard dogs lol

I just felt the need to reinforce Whiffs post. GSM is an absolute asset to this forum, guaranteed to help us all.

The Government have commissioned Pharmacists, in addition, to their substantive tasks, to provide health support within the community so I would imagine all staff have a role to play. As customers, we can always ask if there is a private space should that be necessary.

I'm sure your rudeness was justified. At my local Boots I find most of the assistants and pharmacists rude, inefficient and haughty. I avoid the place as much as I can. I think it must have something to do with their training.

Thank you very much MrsW2.

I fully concur, an absolutely concise observation of the current situation that some little think tank dreamt up to ‘Improve the NHS’ our beloved NHS that we all were all so proud of has hit the skids. No one governments blame we’ve all seen it coming but the thing that is so lamentable is that roping in Pharmacists
Receptionists and now shop assistants and thinking it’s an improvement! Where will it end ? Will supermarket first aiders be doing minor ops?
On a lighter note I had a need to purchase some Citric Acid after scouring the home baking shelves in all my local supermarkets I tried my luck in Boots The Chemist. The counter assistant of some 17-18 yrs eyed me suspiciously and asked me what I wanted it for. I, although puzzled guessed that he may be helpfully hoping to offer an alternative. I replied ‘I’m wanting to make some Sherbet Dips for a school Bring & Buy ! He was visibly relieved and said ‘ Oh that’s ok then we have to ask because drug dealers buy it to cut heroin and coccaine . My response ‘ Young man do I look like a drug dealer I’m a 70 yr old Grandmother for heavens sake
Later that day I considered, perhaps I should have been flattered to think he may have mistaken me for a ‘hippy chick’ if that’s what they are called these days

I have several times ordered online the things you can now buy from a pharmacy without prescription - eg antibiotics for cystitis. I have always had to go though a little questionnaire about the purpose of my purchase, any medication Im currently on, etc.

Years ago I recall having a bad bout of cyctitis come on just as I was leaving for a work trip to Belgium. The pharmacist in London apologised that she could not sell it to me without a prescription but told me I would have no difficulty in getting it in Brussells. She was correct. I picked it up in the airport pharmacy on arrival without a single question being asked.

Walked into pharmacies all over Europe and the Middle East and just got what I wanted over the counter. It is very common in these countries (where you have to pay for a doctor) to simply go to the pharmacy, describe your symptoms and come out with medication.

GSM, sorry to see you are being got at again. I have said this previously I have found you to be a great help.

(PS. I have planted the seeds.)

As far as pharmacists are concerned some are very efficient and knowledgeable others not as good.
I asked whether I should be taking the two different medications together and was informed that is fine.

What I wasn't told is not to take them at the same time.
Felt very queasy.

👍🏻🤞*utterbliss*.

Re pharmacists prescribing, I’ve just been advised in a telephone consultation with a pharmacist, that I should -
1. Try different tablets for blood pressure, because the ones they gave me make my ankles swell.
That was OK, till he suggested a tablet that I’ve already had problems with, so it was withdrawn.

2. Questioned about whether I felt I still needed the painkiller gel they provide for an ongoing problem -yes I do, though if the doc could come up with a different cure . . .

3. Suggested I might take statins, despite the fact that my doc’s report said/showed my cholesterol levels were normal.
Finally, if I have any problems, a quick call to the surgery should get them sorted out.🤣🤣🤣

I wouldn't have an issue with them asking questions re health, etc., but I think it is unreasonable to be expected to answer what might be quite personal questions in a public area.

I remember taking a urine sample into the doctors years ago and the receptionist asked, in a loud voice, whether it was for a pregnancy test! (it wasn't). That, I thought, was unnecessary and inappropriate in a waiting room full of people.

I have gone to local chemist and asked if I can see the pharmacist and of course was asked why. Fortunately I have never had to ask for advice on anything where my privacy or dignity were compromised. If I ever felt the GP is who I NEED to see I would insist I got an appointment .

I’m really not liking the judgemental posts by German shepherds mum and have reported them
There is absolutely no need to be so judgmental!

Basically Netherby I sympathise
Too many jobsworths too much control too little consideration for privacy and big steps away from anything that could be called ‘personal’. It’s understandable you became rude, correct that you apologised. I also sympathise with the poor girl behind the counter trying to do what has become her job. The system is crazy and to whom does one complain? Kier Starmer? Good luck with that one!

A few years ago I, like others, took the advice to avoid the doctor's waiting times and went to see our local Boots pharmacist as I had a rash on my chest and was concerned that it might be shingles as I had been with a GC with chicken pox. I was told 'no, no it can't be shingles as the spots are not in a straight line'.
She then proceeded to give me some thrush ointment to rub in as she said it was a fungal infection. This was an extremely painful experience. I ended up at the local hospital where a very nice, young doctor took one look and said 'Of course it's shingles! Why did you go to the pharmacist?'
I gave my reason and he said 'Doctors diagnose and prescribe, pharmacists dispense!'
I haven't been to a pharmacist since!

Lyn57

In 2014 I went to the pharmacy with chest pains, aching jaw, nausea and pain between shoulder blades the pharmacist prescribed gaviscon. The next morning feeling no better I called 111 and was admitted to hospital having had a heart attack - I did complain to the pharmacy afterwards about being treated for indigestion when it wasn’t ( the hospital could tell from elevated blood levels that it had occurred the day before) the pharmacist just said oh must have happened after he spoke to me !

And this is precisely why being told to go to the pharmacist is not where anyone should be going to be diagnosed. Pharmacists learn about drugs, what they do, how they interact with other medications. Pharmacists are not doctors and should never be trusted to diagnose. If a person knows what is wrong ie a UTI, then it is safe to buy the three day antibiotic from the pharmacy to try, but it is not safe to allow a pharmacist to diagnose your illness if you’re unsure what it is.
By the way, even a pharmacist should know that a heart attack can mimic the symptoms of indigestion. I know that, and I have no medical qualifications whatsoever. This pharmacist put your life at risk Lyn. I’m glad you were diagnosed and treated correctly eventually.

And another one misdiagnosed by a pharmacist. Glad you got the right diagnosis eventually GrandmaHH. And what a surprise, a doctor diagnosed your illness.

Never go to a pharmacist for a diagnosis!

I also found Germanshepardmum to be quite short Netherbyg84 when I posted once. In fact the post was removed by Gransnet

I also gave you some useful advice as I recall.

Germanshepherdsmum

I also gave you some useful advice as I recall.

Perhaps you should send a bill!

Some people are very ungrateful.

I have done this a few times… I go up to the pharmacy section in Boots, where I collect my prescriptions, and just ask to speak to the Phamacist. There may be a wait, but the Pharmacist always comes out and talk to me as privately as possible. If it was really private I would ask if we could ‘talk privately’ … I know they have a private room available, but I’ve only used that once. There is NO need to talk to a ‘girl behind the counter’ .