What's your experience of using local pharmacies?
A local pharmacy (chemist) is a place where you can get medicines, either prescription or non-prescription, and advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses. You can also get vaccinations and free blood pressure checks at some pharmacies.
Find out more about how local pharmacies can help you from NHS England.
Share your feedback about local pharmacy services to help shape care in Dorset
What do we want to know?
We want to hear about your experiences of using local pharmacies to help us identify any challenges and make recommendations for improvement.
We want to know how you use your local pharmacy, including what works well and what could be improved to make it easier to get the care you need. We want to find out how you get and pay for your prescriptions, and if you have heard of the NHS Pharmacy First scheme.
It’s easy to share your feedback
It’s easy to share your views and everything you tell us can remain anonymous.
- Complete our online survey by 31 October 2024: [now closed]
Or scan the QR code - Join a focus group discussion
- Talk to us over the phone: 0300 111 0102
Other formats and languages: If you need a printed copy of the survey, or an alternative format or language, please get in touch.
Why are we asking?
In January 2024, NHS England launched Pharmacy First to make it easier for patients to get care for several common illnesses through their local pharmacy without needing to see a GP. We know from research published by Healthwatch England that local pharmacies are very widely used, and people value the accessibility of community pharmacies, but there are several challenges, including closure of local pharmacies, shortages of medicines, and public awareness of Pharmacy First.
It is clear from the feedback that we receive that Dorset residents have been finding it difficult to get the medication they need from pharmacies. We have also heard concerns about pharmacy closures, prescription costs, and problems faced by young carers and looked after children trying to access free prescriptions.
How will your feedback make a difference?
The successful rollout of Pharmacy First will rely on addressing the challenges facing local pharmacies and local people and making sure that patients know about and support the scheme.
We will analyse the feedback we gather and use it to advise those responsible for local pharmacy services in Dorset how they can improve patient access and experience.