When Should I Consult My Pharmacist Rather Than My GP?

Pharmacists are a good screening service and some people may find them more approachable than their doctor. They can often put peoples' minds at rest by diagnosing and providing a remedy for minor aliments. Perhaps, if more people talked to their pharmacist it would take pressure off GPs. The pharmacist is not a substitute for the doctor but by relying on their expertise a bit more, you might find you need to visit your GP a little less.

But what happens if my condition is serious? The pharmacist will always refer a customer to a doctor if they feel it is appropriate. Someone might approach their pharmacist with what they think is a trivial problem and not realise it is symptomatic of more serious condition. The pharmacist might recommend they speak to their GP, or, depending on the query, a dentist, midwife or another health expert, for example.