Health care in the UK is bitter sweet. It is brilliant that we have access to free medical advice and treatments unlike other countries such as America. It is sometimes difficult to actually get an appointment with a doctor however, often waiting weeks to be fitted in. So if we cannot get in at the doctor’s surgery, how else can we get top class health care and advice? Going to the Accident and Emergency room for a cold is a little too extreme even for a raging hypochondriac like me. Our high street pharmacists are becoming the number one port of call for all my health needs, especially since they are so well trained and up to date with health issues.

Pharmacists have the chance to become independent prescribers with the ability to prescribe licensed drugs from May 1 2006. Once the pharmacist gained the qualification, they are known as a Pharmacist independent prescriber.

This system makes it much less of a hassle to get medical advice or a prescription for people living in the UK who cannot take time off work to visit the doctor. All you need to do is go into your local pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist in charge. Of course pharmacists will be on hand to look out for abuses of the system. There will be thorough examinations before any drugs are prescribed, just as you would expect at your doctor’s surgery.

Extensive training is given to the pharmaceutical consultants before they are qualified to prescribe licensed medicines. Spotting for substance abuse and recognising symptoms is included in the training that independent prescribers will be given before they are qualified.

Before going to a GP, you should see if your local pharmacists independent prescriber can help you with any medical issues you might have. If you have a very serious problem or need urgent treatment, a pharmacist will refer you to a doctor or emergency department at your nearest hospital. All of this is to help get you back to your normal healthy self as quick as possible.