Using pharmacies or dispensing doctors in County Durham
Our report looks into the experiences of people accessing pharmacy services in County Durham.
Following a work plan request by the County Durham & Darlington Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) and County Durham Public Health Team it was agreed that Healthwatch County Durham would carry out a consultation exercise from July to September 2017, capturing the views and experiences of individuals accessing pharmacy and dispensing doctor services across County Durham.
What People Told Us
- 54% access pharmacy services at least monthly and 52% always visit the same pharmacy service
- Respondents stated that the top 3 things that pharmacies do well are providing good customer care with friendly, caring staff; making sure prescriptions are available in a timely manner; providing good advice and information
- Other services that respondents would like to access from pharmacies include extended opening hours; disposal of Sharps boxes; blood pressure monitoring
- Respondents said that pharmacy services could be improved by extended opening hours including pharmacists being available at lunchtimes and Saturdays; bigger waiting areas; dispensing more quickly
- Respondents’ awareness of the services that pharmacies provide range from dispensing medicines (93%) to sexual health testing (38%)
- Respondents’ use of services range from the dispensing medicines service (78%) to sexual health testing (1.28%)
It would be helpful if their opening times were longer for people who work during the day
Downloads
If you need this information in a different format please contact us:
healthwatchcountydurham@pcp.uk.net
0800 304 7039
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