More Scots visiting chemists for advice on health

Published on Sunday 14 September 2008 22:07

SICK Scots are increasingly turning to pharmacies for health advice, according to a survey published today.

The study, carried out by YouGov, shows four out of five Scots (81 per cent) would consult their pharmacist for advice ranging from colds and flu to contraception.

Minor ailments topped the list of reasons people consulted pharmacists, with 76 per cent seeking advice on hay fever, coughs and colds.

Meanwhile, 24 per cent of respondents said they would visit their pharmacist for advice on giving up smoking, 18 per cent for a weight or diet issue and 17 per cent for advice on contraception.

The survey is published today by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

The figures show an increase in the number of people approaching pharmacists from a similar survey in 2002, which showed 72 per cent of Scots seeking health advice from a pharmacist.

The results of the survey, which questioned 892 Scots, coincides with the society's submission to the Scottish Parliament health and sport committee's inquiry into health inequalities.

Sandra Melville, the chairwoman of the society's Scottish Pharmacy Board, said: "People are recognising pharmacists can provide a whole range of health services."

Lyndon Braddick, director of the society in Scotland, said: "

Pharmacy has a real role to play in making healthcare more accessible and ease pressure on the NHS."