NHS Services

NHS Prescription Dispensing

We offer a full NHS prescription dispensing service with free nationwide delivery across England. Our aim is to make accessing your medication as simple and convenient as possible, especially if you’re unable to visit a pharmacy in person. By nominating us through the NHS Electronic Prescription Service, your GP can send prescriptions directly to us, allowing our qualified pharmacy team to dispense your medication promptly and with great care. We stock a wide range of commonly prescribed medicines to reduce delays and ensure continuity of treatment. Our pharmacists are also available to answer any questions about your medication and provide advice on safe and effective use.

NHS Repeat Dispensing

For patients whose conditions are stable and require long-term treatment, we can manage NHS repeat dispensing prescriptions. Once your GP approves you for this service, we will hold a series of repeat prescriptions and dispense them at regular intervals without needing new authorisation each time. This reduces the administrative burden on your GP and ensures you never run out of your essential medication. Our team will also monitor your therapy to ensure it remains suitable and will remind you when a review is due.

Child-Resistant Medicine Containers

To reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, we provide all dispensed medicines in child-resistant packaging by default. However, if you have difficulty opening these containers, we can supply medication in standard containers upon request. Please let us know your preference when placing your order. It’s essential that all medicines are kept out of sight and reach of children. Our pharmacists are happy to provide practical advice on how to store medicines safely within your home.

Discharge Medicines Service (DMS)

This NHS service supports patients transitioning from hospital to home after a stay involving medication changes. If you or someone you care for is referred to us by a hospital or GP, our pharmacist will work with you to ensure the safe and effective use of your new medicines. We will review your updated treatment plan, explain how to take the medicines correctly, and address any concerns you may have. This service is particularly helpful in preventing medication errors and reducing the likelihood of hospital readmission.

New Medicine Service (NMS)

The New Medicine Service is a structured NHS programme designed to help patients who have been newly prescribed medication for a long-term condition. It currently covers conditions such as asthma, COPD, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and anticoagulation therapy. You’ll receive up to three consultations with our pharmacist over the course of your first month on the new medicine. During these sessions, we’ll support you with adherence, monitor for any side effects, and offer guidance on lifestyle changes that can complement your treatment. Our goal is to help you get the best possible results from your new therapy.

Health Advice and Self-Care Support

Our pharmacist and trained staff are available to provide expert advice on a wide range of minor illnesses, medication concerns, and lifestyle issues. Whether you’re managing a cold, hay fever, skin conditions, or seeking support with smoking cessation or healthy eating, we’re here to help. You can contact us by phone, through our website, or via email. If we identify that your issue requires further medical attention, we will refer you to the appropriate healthcare service. Our aim is to be your first port of call for reliable and accessible health advice.

Signposting to Other Services

We are committed to supporting your overall health and wellbeing. If your healthcare need falls outside the scope of our services, we will guide you to the most appropriate local or national NHS service. This might include referrals to GPs, community clinics, mental health services, social care organisations, or specialist helplines. Our signposting is tailored to your individual needs and ensures you receive timely and relevant care.

Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles

As part of our commitment to public health, we take part in regular NHS-led health campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting healthy living within the community. We provide advice and resources on key lifestyle areas such as quitting smoking, managing alcohol intake, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a balanced diet. Our pharmacy team can also offer personalised health improvement tips based on your medication profile and individual goals.

Patient Medication Records

We use secure and sophisticated computer systems to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all prescriptions dispensed through our pharmacy. These records help us identify potential medicine interactions, allergies, or duplications, and ensure the safety of your treatment. They also allow us to respond quickly to queries or requests regarding your medication history. We are fully compliant with the Data Protection Act, GDPR, and NHS confidentiality requirements. If you wish to access or discuss the records we hold, please get in touch with our pharmacist.

Emergency Supply of Medication

In certain circumstances, we may be able to provide an emergency supply of your regular medicine if you are unable to contact your GP and have an urgent need. This service is only available in genuine emergencies and is subject to professional discretion and legal requirements. A charge may apply for this service, unless the request is supported by an NHS prescription or GP instruction. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are at risk of missing a dose, and we will do our best to assist.

Return unwanted medicines

 If you have unwanted or expired medication at home, we offer a free NHS medicines disposal service. Simply contact us and we’ll provide instructions on how to return them safely. It’s important that unused medicines are not thrown away in household waste or flushed down the toilet, as this can be harmful to the environment and pose a risk to others. We follow strict disposal procedures in line with NHS and environmental regulations to ensure the safe handling and destruction of returned items.

How to Return Unwanted Medication

Option 1: Return to a Local Pharmacy
You can take your unwanted or expired medicines to any local high street pharmacy, even if it was not the original provider of your prescription. Most community pharmacies offer a free NHS medicines disposal service. To locate your nearest pharmacy, visit: Find a Pharmacy – NHS

Option 2: Return to The Family Chemist (by arrangement only)
If you would prefer to return your medicines to us, please contact our team by email first. Once we receive your request, we will assess the most appropriate and compliant way for you to return the items. We will then provide clear instructions and any necessary support to facilitate the process safely.

The Family Chemist is registered as a Distance Selling Pharmacy (DSP), also known as an online pharmacy. As part of our regulatory obligations, we are not permitted to accept in-person visits from patients — including for the return of medicines.

Please note that we are unable to accept sharps or needles and you may need to contact your local council or GP to arrange for safe disposal of these items.