By Karen Ripley
The government recently announced that a new ‘Pharmacy First’ service will launch in England by the end of this year. This will allow community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines (when appropriate) for seven common health conditions, including uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Scotland already has its own ‘NHS Pharmacy First’ service.
In the Spring 2023 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Lila Thakerar MBE, community pharmacist, outlines key services (NHS and private) that are already available in many pharmacies and may be relevant for women of menopausal age. These services include the New Medicines Service, blood pressure checks, over-the-counter contraception, sexual health, weight management and general health checks.
“Community pharmacies are easily accessible on the high street, often open for longer hours than GP surgeries and don’t usually require an appointment for a consultation,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “If you’re prescribed a new medicine, you can discuss any concerns with a pharmacist after your initial prescription, and many pharmacists can advise on lifestyle advice and self-help measures for various health conditions.”
Other articles in the Spring 2023 issue of The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter include Symptoms of the menopause, Non-hormonal prescribed treatments, and Cholesterol at the menopause, as well as news, Ask the Experts Q&As and information about Norma Goldman’s webinars, talks and workshops.
The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is unbiased and independent and isn’t sponsored by any companies or organisations. Our free quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top UK medical experts, including menopause consultants, GPs, specialist menopause nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and complementary practitioners. We also include news, book reviews and our ‘Ask the experts’ page. Each issue of The Menopause Exchange’s free quarterly newsletter is emailed to over 13,000 people, including women, men, healthcare professionals, complementary therapists, workplace managers and journalists.
Menopause webinars: Your readers may be interested in organising a webinar for their family and friends or workplace. For over 24 years, Norma Goldman has been presenting menopause talks and workshops. Her in-depth knowledge has helped thousands of women enjoy a more comfortable menopause. She’s now hosting her own regular webinars via Zoom. Norma’s ‘Understanding the menopause’ webinar is suitable for women at or approaching the menopause, women who have had a premature menopause (before age 40) or a hysterectomy, or anyone with an interest in women’s midlife health. Post-menopausal women can attend presentations too. If women join the webinar, they’ll be able to ask questions, receive a factsheet and hear about other women’s experiences. To attend a webinar, arrange one for a group of friends or to find out more information, women should e-mail norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or call 020 8420 7245.
To join The Menopause Exchange, anyone can sign up for free on our website, http://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter (@MenopauseExch).
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