Pharmacists can prescribe in England from Wednesday 1st February.

Our local Boots is ‘attached’ to the GP surgery. It is a tiny building considering it serves thousands of patients.

The staff, including the pharmacists always seem very busy and working flat out.

I think it’s a good idea if they can take some of the pressure off the GP’s, but not sure how they are meant to fit it all in either. They now do flu jabs and similar, and always look stressed.

First catch your pharmacist. My local pharmacy is 'run' by a pharmacist who owns three other pharmacies, 200 miles away; consequently prescriptions are only obtainable on three and a half days a week.
Apparently it is very hard to employ -or pay for-- extra pharmacists. He is currently under investigation as a pharmacist should be available when the shop is open.

So how do you know whether you have a urinary tract infection? Surely a test is required, in which case you will get your prescription from the doctor who can then send it to the pharmacy.

Also, earache can be a sign of something serious and surely this requires an examination.