What your Westminster pharmacy can do for you
Pharmacies are more than just a place to pick up your prescription. In Westminster and across the country, many local pharmacies offer a wide range of NHS services designed to support your health in convenient, approachable settings, without the long waits or appointments needed. From managing your medication to health checks and vaccinations, here's what you can access today.
Medication reviews
If you’re taking long-term medications or have recently started a new prescription, your local pharmacy can offer a free medication review. This is a confidential chat with a pharmacist to help you understand your medicines, manage side effects, and check they’re working as they should.
Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can support you in making the most out of your treatment.
In addition, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital offers a Medicines Information Service where healthcare professionals can assist with any specific questions you might have about hospital-prescribed drugs. Find more information here
Vaccination services
Many local pharmacies in Westminster offer NHS flu vaccinations, which are free for eligible groups including those aged over 65, pregnant women, carers, and people with certain health conditions. Some also provide travel vaccines and other seasonal immunisations.
Speak to your local pharmacist about current availability or visit NHS vaccinations to check if you're eligible for free flu or COVID-19 shots.
Free blood pressure checks
Did you know you can get your blood pressure checked for free at many local pharmacies? This quick test can help detect early signs of heart disease or stroke risk. If your results are high, your pharmacist can refer you to your GP for further care.
To find a pharmacy near you that offers this service, visit NHS Pharmacy Blood Pressure Checks.
Health screenings and tests
Westminster pharmacies also provide access to other important health screenings and NHS services, including:
- Chlamydia screening and treatment
- COVID-19 lateral flow testing
- NHS type 2 diabetes screening
- Cholesterol testing
An example is Star Pharmacy in Westminster, which offers a wide range of health checks and diagnostics. See what’s available here.
These services can help detect health issues early, often before symptoms start, so you can take action quickly.
Pharmacy First scheme
Pharmacy First is a new NHS initiative that allows you to get help for seven common conditions directly from your local pharmacist, where no GP appointment is required. It’s free to access and aims to ease pressure on GP surgeries.
Pharmacists can assess, advise, and, if appropriate, prescribe medicines for the following conditions:
- sore throat (5+ years)
- earache (ages 1–17)
- sinusitis (12+ years)
- infected insect bite (1+ years)
- impetigo (18+ years)
- shingles (18+ years)
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (16–64 years)
Simply walk into a participating pharmacy or call ahead to check availability. You’ll see a pharmacist in a private consultation room, and they may ask permission to view your NHS records to help guide treatment.
Find out more about Pharmacy First here.
Why use your local pharmacy?
- No appointment needed for most services
- Free advice from trained healthcare professionals
- Open evenings and weekends
- Easily accessible in your neighbourhood
Whether you need a vaccination, have questions about your medication, or just want a quick health check, your local pharmacy in Westminster is here to help. These services are free, confidential, and easy to access.
