Community Pharmacies / Chemists
If you have a minor illness, a pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice.
You do not usually need an appointment and you can go to any pharmacy.
Click here to find a Shetland Pharmacy
Accessing Pharmacy Advice and Care
Your local pharmacist or a trained member of the pharmacy team will give you advice and provide medicine if needed. Your pharmacist can also provide you with advice when treating yourself and your family for common conditions and issues as well as providing you with appropriate treatment – a service available to everyone registered with a GP in Scotland. It is especially important when you are already taking medicines for long term conditions, to seek a Pharmacist’s advice when treating yourself. Even though some medicines are available “over the counter”, they are still very powerful and may affect other medications.
If you have any questions or problems with your medicines please feel free to talk to your pharmacist. Pharmacists are always available for discussions or advice about medicines. You can access these professionals in the Community Pharmacies, and will also find them in your Health Centre and Hospital. They may need to refer you to another healthcare professional such as your GP practice, dentist, optometrist or another NHS service if they feel your condition needs further investigation or more specialist care.
Using Medicines Safely and Effectively
Using medications safely and correctly is very important to ensure that they have the best chance to help you. All Pharmacists are trained as highly skilled clinical experts in medication, and are able to give you advice and make recommendations about your medications. Pharmacists are always available for discussions or advice.
Gluten Free Food Service
If you are diagnosed as needing gluten-free food as part of your coeliac disease and/or dermatitis herpetiformis care, you can access your prescription through the Scottish Gluten-Free Food Service.
The Scottish Gluten-free Food Service is an NHS service that allows you to manage your gluten-free food prescription through your community pharmacy.
Foods can be ordered from the approved list using the Order form. The form should be sent to your chosen pharmacy on a monthly basis.