Pharmacists
Pharmacists (sometimes called Chemists) are experts in medicines and how they work. They play a key role in providing quality healthcare to patients.
They dispense your prescriptions, provide a range of services related to specific health issues and can offer advice on healthy living and minor ailments.
Find out more about how a pharmacist can help you here
You can access details of the pharmacies in your area in several ways:
- You can visit www.nhs.uk and search under 'find services' using your postcode for those pharmacies closest to your address.
- Contact the Thames Valley Primary Care Agency (TVPCA) on 0118 918 3333
- Contact your local Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)
Pharmacies Opening Hours
You can access details of the pharmacies opening hours in your area by clicking here followed by 'more options' and 'pharmacists'.
Prescriptions
From 1 April 2012 prescription charges are £7.65 (per item)
Most people have to pay prescription charges, but you are entitled to a free prescription if any of the following statements applies to you:
- I am under the age of 16 (under 25 in Wales)
- I am under the age of 19 and in full-time education
- I am aged 60 or over
- I have an NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- I am on a low income and have a certificate HC2
You are also exempt from paying prescription charges if you (or your partner) get Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, or Guarantee Credit. Some war pensioners, whose treatment is connected with their pensionable disability, may also qualify for free prescriptions.
If you are entitled to a free prescription, you need to complete the declaration on the back of the prescription and sign it. You may be asked for proof that you are exempt.
Prescription Prepayment Scheme
The NHS provides a prescription pre-payment scheme which enables patients who require repeat prescriptions to purchase prepaid certificates (PPCs).
People who have to pay for more than 4 prescription items in 3 months, or 14 items in 12 months, could save money by buying a PPC.
From 1 April 2012, the charge for a single prescription item is £7.65, whereas a 3-month PPC will cost you £29.10 and a 12-month PPC will not increase and remains at £104.00.
The Prescription Pricing Authority' is responsible for issuing PPCs to people resident in England only, on behalf of the Department of Health.
For further information please visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
