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Three leading health charities are encouraging people to utilise their local pharmacies after a survey found just one in 10 turn to their pharmacist for advice or information on lowering their risk of serious health conditions.
Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Diabetes UK say that many people could be missing out on opportunities to access free support and information that could help them make life-changing improvements to their health.
Four in 10 said talking to a pharmacist had eased concerns around wasting GP time
The survey, which was commissioned by the three charities in partnership with Tesco, also found that nearly a quarter of respondents found it easier to speak to someone in a pharmacy than in other healthcare settings.
Of those who had visited a pharmacist for health-related advice including on medication and new symptoms, 43% said talking to a pharmacist had eased their concerns around wasting their GP’s time.
Not having to book an appointment was also seen as an advantage, with more than half reporting this as a major benefit.
The charities are training pharmacists and pharmacy colleagues to support their conversations with the public
As a result of these findings, the charities are working with Tesco to deliver specialist training to Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy colleagues to support their conversations with the public.
The training will help them provide more information and support on how people can help lower their risk of these serious conditions through small changes to their day-to-day routine.
Dr Helen George, Head of Health Community Engagement at Cancer Research UK, said on behalf of the charities: “Thousands of lives could be saved every year through people making positive changes that lower their risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart and circulatory diseases.
“Far more people could be taking advantage of the advice and support available to them from their Tesco pharmacy whilst they do their weekly shop, this includes tips and information on stopping smoking and weight management services.”
Getting support to make positive changes or seeking information on concerning signs or symptoms
Paul Pilkington, Head of Pharmacy at Tesco is now encouraging the public to take advantage of the resources and support available in pharmacies. He said: “Our Tesco pharmacy colleagues can provide information, resources and support on ways to help reduce your risk of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease.
“They are available for a private and confidential chat in our pharmacy consultation room, something 15% of people said was a benefit of visiting a pharmacy for information and/or advice about a health-related concern.
“So, if you’re shopping at Tesco, go to the pharmacy counter and one of our pharmacy colleagues wearing a ‘Let’s Talk’ badge can help you,” he added.