From medication reviews, health checks and smoking advice to morning after pills and viagra consultations, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to speak privately with a medical professional - but locking down an appointment with your GP at a time that’s convenient for you can be nearly impossible, especially when the NHS is already under a lot of pressure.

Unfortunately, not enough people are aware of the options available to them when they visit their local pharmacy team. The private consultation rooms that have popped up in community pharmacies across the UK are being used - but often only when staff suggest the room is available.

A consultation room is a space where you can sit down with your pharmacist and speak in private - they’re designed to offer security, privacy, and can also have a sink, a sharps box and leaflet displays. If you need to discuss something that you’d prefer not to be overheard, it can be as simple as asking if the consultation room is available - in most cases, you’ll be able to have the conversation without booking an appointment, which means you’ll be able to get advice and have your concerns heard without having to wait for your GP to become available. It’s particularly convenient for getting medical advice on a saturday, or at a time that’s convenient for you during the week.

All pharmacies can help you with medication and answer questions on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, giving you advice on how to take medicine safely, helping you to understand the correct dose of a new medicine, and giving guidance on proper inhale technique.

In addition to this, pharmacies can give treatment advice about a range of common or minor injuries, including coughs and colds, earache, flu, and conditions that might feel embarrassing to discuss such as aches and pains and skin rashes - if you’re nervous about speaking to your pharmacist about what’s concerning you, the consultation room is a great place to speak openly without feeling embarrassed.

Some pharmacies may offer other services including a weight management service, emergency contraception, chlamydia screening and treatment, and a substance misuse service, including needle and syringe exchange schemes. If speaking about these services makes you feel nervous, you can request a consultation room at your local pharmacy and have a conversation in private.

The staff at your local pharmacy won’t make notes on your medical records, but will be able to offer health advice and review medication - if you need a quiet chat, simply ask to use a consultation room at a local pharmacy that has one available.

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Does your local pharmacy have a consultation room? It’s more likely than you think. Search for nearby pharmacies using your postcode and check to see which of your community pharmacies offer a consultation room. You can even find the best number to call to check availability on the day.