Frequently Asked Questions — Derby Street Pharmacy Hanley

We provide a wide range of NHS and private healthcare services including prescription dispensing with free delivery across Stoke-on-Trent, NHS Pharmacy First consultations, flu and COVID vaccinations, weight loss clinic, blood pressure checks, contraception and period delay, and stop smoking support. You can walk in for most services or book an appointment online.

No, you do not need to register. Anyone can walk in and use our services. If you would like us to collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP, we can set up an electronic nomination which takes just a few minutes.

Our opening hours are displayed at the top of our website and on the front door of the pharmacy. We are open Monday to Saturday. For the most up to date hours, please check our website or call us directly.

Derby Street Pharmacy is located on Derby Street in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. We are a short walk from the Potteries Centre and easily accessible by public transport. Free parking is available nearby.

Yes, our pharmacy is fully accessible. We have step-free access at the entrance and a private consultation room on the ground floor. If you need any assistance, our team is happy to help.

Yes, our pharmacists are available for informal advice during opening hours. If you need a longer consultation, we recommend booking a Pharmacy First appointment so we can give you dedicated time without interruption.

For life-threatening emergencies, always call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department. For urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns, call NHS 111 for advice. Our pharmacists can help with many common health conditions through the NHS Pharmacy First service.

Yes, we stock a wide range of over the counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and healthcare products. Our team can help you choose the right product for your needs and check for any interactions with medicines you already take.

Yes. Please bring any unused, unwanted, or expired medicines to us and we will dispose of them safely. Never flush medicines down the toilet or put them in household rubbish as this can harm the environment.

Yes. All our pharmacists are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and have completed a minimum of five years of university training. Many have additional clinical qualifications. Our superintendent pharmacist details and GPhC registration are displayed in the pharmacy and on our website.

NHS Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows you to get treatment for seven common conditions directly from your pharmacist without needing a GP appointment. It is free of charge for everyone and available without booking at participating pharmacies including ours.

We can assess and treat seven common conditions: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. If your condition is outside this list, we can still offer advice or refer you appropriately.

Yes, NHS Pharmacy First consultations and any medicines supplied through the service are completely free. There is no prescription charge regardless of your age or exemption status.

No. You can come directly to the pharmacy. That is the whole point of the service. It helps you get treated faster and frees up GP appointments for people who need them most.

Yes, children can be treated under Pharmacy First. For children under 16, a parent or guardian should be present during the consultation. We can treat earache and other eligible conditions in children.

You will have a private consultation with our pharmacist in a dedicated consultation room. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you take. They will then assess your condition and either provide treatment, offer advice, or refer you to a GP or hospital if needed.

Yes, where clinically appropriate, our pharmacists can supply certain prescription medicines including antibiotics for eligible conditions. This is done following national clinical pathways approved by the NHS.

No appointment is needed. You can walk in during our opening hours. However, if the pharmacy is busy, there may be a short wait. You can also book a time slot online if you prefer.

If your symptoms do not improve within the expected timeframe or get worse, please come back to see us, contact your GP, or call NHS 111 for further advice. We will always give you clear guidance on when to seek further help.

Yes. GPs, NHS 111, and other healthcare professionals can refer patients to community pharmacies for Pharmacy First consultations. This is part of the NHS strategy to make healthcare more accessible.

You can either bring a paper prescription to us or ask your GP to send electronic prescriptions directly to our pharmacy. To set this up, simply ask us to become your nominated pharmacy or request the change at your GP surgery.

When you nominate us as your pharmacy, your GP can send your prescriptions to us electronically. This means your medicines can be ready for you to collect without having to visit the GP surgery first. You can change your nomination at any time.

Most prescriptions are ready within 10 to 15 minutes. For electronic prescriptions that arrive before you do, we aim to have them ready for when you arrive. If we need to order a medicine, we will let you know and arrange a convenient time for collection.

Yes, we offer a repeat prescription ordering service. We can contact your GP on your behalf to request your regular medicines. This helps make sure you never run out of the medicines you need.

Medicine shortages do occasionally happen. If we cannot source your medicine, we will contact your GP to arrange a suitable alternative or try other suppliers. We will always keep you informed and do our best to resolve it quickly.

Yes, you can collect prescriptions on behalf of someone else. You will need to provide the patient's name and date of birth. For controlled drugs, there are additional identity checks required by law.

Yes, we offer a free prescription delivery service to local addresses for patients who are housebound or unable to visit the pharmacy. Please ask our team to set this up for you.

The New Medicine Service (NMS) is a free NHS service for people who have been prescribed a new medicine for a long-term condition. Our pharmacist will check in with you after a few weeks to make sure the medicine is working well and answer any questions you have.

In certain circumstances, our pharmacist can provide an emergency supply of a prescription medicine you have been taking regularly. This is at the pharmacist's professional discretion and there may be a charge. It is not available for all medicines.

When you are discharged from hospital, the hospital can refer you to us through the Discharge Medicines Service. We will review your medicines, explain any changes, and make sure you understand your new treatment plan. This helps prevent medication errors after a hospital stay.

We offer NHS flu vaccinations and NHS COVID-19 vaccinations. Both are seasonal services available only during official NHS vaccination campaigns. Please contact us to check current availability.

We recommend booking an appointment so we can prepare everything in advance. However, walk-ins are welcome when the seasonal programme is active, subject to vaccine availability.

The NHS flu vaccine is free for eligible groups including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain long-term conditions, carers, and frontline health and social care workers. We also offer a private flu jab for those not eligible for the NHS vaccine.

Yes, we are an approved NHS COVID-19 vaccination site. COVID-19 vaccinations are only available during official NHS seasonal campaigns. Eligibility follows NHS guidance and may change each season.

Yes. When both programmes are active, it is safe and recommended to have both vaccines at the same appointment. You will usually receive one injection in each arm.

Most vaccination appointments take about 10 to 15 minutes. This includes a brief health check, the injection itself, and a short observation period afterwards.

Most people experience no side effects or only mild ones such as a sore arm, mild headache, or tiredness for a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare. Our pharmacist will explain what to expect before administering any vaccine.

Please bring your NHS number if you have it, any relevant medical information, and a list of medicines you take. Wearing a short-sleeved top makes the process easier.

We offer a clinician-led weight management programme that includes an initial health assessment, personalised treatment plans, and ongoing support. Where clinically appropriate, we can prescribe weight loss medications as part of a wider lifestyle plan.

No, you do not need a GP referral. Our pharmacists are qualified independent prescribers who can assess your suitability, prescribe treatment, and monitor your progress directly.

Eligibility is based on your BMI, medical history, and current health. Generally, weight loss medication may be considered if your BMI is 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions. Our pharmacist will carry out a full assessment during your consultation.

During your first appointment, our pharmacist will measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. They will then recommend the most suitable treatment option and create a personalised plan.

Absolutely. All consultations take place in our private consultation room. Everything you discuss with our pharmacist is kept strictly confidential in line with our data protection obligations.

We typically arrange follow-up appointments every four weeks to monitor your progress, check for side effects, and adjust your treatment if needed. Regular contact helps us make sure you are getting the best results safely.

Side effects vary depending on the medication prescribed. Common side effects may include nausea, changes in appetite, or digestive discomfort. Our pharmacist will explain what to expect and how to manage any side effects before starting treatment.

Weight loss treatment is a private service. The cost depends on the medication prescribed and the length of your treatment plan. We will give you a clear breakdown of costs at your initial consultation so there are no surprises.

The medications we prescribe are licensed in the UK and have been through rigorous safety testing. Our pharmacists only prescribe when it is clinically appropriate and will monitor you throughout your treatment. If a medication is not suitable for you, we will advise on alternatives.

Yes, and we encourage it. Weight loss medication works best as part of a holistic approach that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioural changes. Our pharmacist can offer guidance on all of these areas.

We currently offer weight loss clinic and period delay services as private consultations with our qualified pharmacist prescribers.

No referral is needed for any of our private services. Our pharmacist prescribers are qualified independent prescribers who can assess, diagnose, and prescribe directly.

You can book online through our website, call us directly, or pop into the pharmacy. We offer flexible appointment times to fit around your schedule.

Yes, all consultations are completely confidential. They take place in our private consultation room and are subject to the same professional standards and data protection rules as any NHS healthcare setting.

Our pharmacist can prescribe Norethisterone tablets to safely delay your period for holidays, events, or personal convenience. You should book at least one week before your expected period. Start taking the tablets 3 days before your period is due and continue for up to 17 days.

Costs vary depending on the service. We provide transparent pricing and will always explain costs before you agree to any treatment. Please contact us or visit our website for current pricing.

You can book online through our website using the Book Now button, call us on 01782 215215, or visit the pharmacy in person. Our online booking system is available 24 hours a day.

Yes, we welcome walk-ins for many of our services including NHS Pharmacy First, prescription collection, and over the counter advice. For private clinic services and vaccinations, we recommend booking to guarantee your slot.

You can cancel or reschedule through the link in your booking confirmation email, by calling us, or by visiting the pharmacy. We appreciate as much notice as possible so we can offer the slot to someone else.

Please bring a list of any medicines you are currently taking, your NHS number if you have it, and any relevant medical records or test results. For travel health, bring your itinerary and vaccination record.

Yes, you can book on behalf of a family member or someone you care for. Please make sure you have their relevant medical information available and let us know at the time of booking.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you are running late. We will do our best to accommodate you, but if you are significantly late, we may need to rearrange to avoid disrupting other patients.

We are open on Saturdays and offer appointments for many of our services. Please check our opening hours or contact us to arrange a time that suits you.

Most appointments are available within a few days. For popular services or busy periods, there may be a short wait. We try to accommodate urgent needs as quickly as possible.

For certain services, we can offer telephone follow-up consultations. Initial assessments usually need to be in person so our pharmacist can carry out any necessary checks. Please ask us about remote consultation options.

Appointment lengths vary by service. A Pharmacy First consultation is usually 10 to 15 minutes. Private clinic appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes. Travel health consultations may take up to 30 minutes depending on the number of travellers.

The current NHS prescription charge in England is a fixed amount per item. Many people are exempt from paying, including people aged 60 and over, under 16s, those on certain benefits, and people with specific medical conditions. We can check your exemption when you collect.

You may be entitled to free prescriptions if you are under 16, 16 to 18 and in full-time education, aged 60 or over, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, have certain medical conditions, receive certain benefits, or are a war pensioner. Ask our team if you are unsure.

A prescription prepayment certificate, or PPC, is like a season ticket for prescriptions. If you pay for four or more prescriptions in three months or twelve or more in a year, a PPC can save you money. You can buy one from the NHS Business Services Authority.

Yes, all NHS Pharmacy First consultations and any medicines supplied through the service are completely free of charge. There is no cost to you regardless of your age or exemption status.

Private service prices vary. We always explain costs clearly before starting any treatment. You can find indicative prices on our website or call us for a quote. Payment is taken at the time of the appointment.

Yes, we accept all major debit and credit cards as well as contactless payments. We also accept cash. For online bookings, payment is usually taken at the time of the appointment.

The NHS flu vaccine is free for eligible groups. If you are not in an eligible group, we offer the flu vaccine privately at a competitive price. Our team can quickly check your eligibility when you visit.

NHS blood pressure checks are free for adults aged 40 and over as part of the NHS Health Check programme. We also offer blood pressure monitoring as a private service for anyone who would like a check outside of this programme.

We accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, and contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payment is usually taken at the time of your appointment.

Yes, we provide receipts for all private services. If you need a detailed invoice for insurance or tax purposes, please let us know and we will arrange this for you.

We take data protection seriously and comply fully with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal and health information is stored securely, only shared with those who need it for your care, and handled in line with NHS confidentiality standards. Our full privacy notice is available in the pharmacy and on our website.

Only authorised pharmacy staff involved in your care have access to your records. This includes pharmacists and trained pharmacy technicians. All staff sign confidentiality agreements and receive regular data protection training.

With your consent, we may share relevant information with your GP or other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. For NHS services such as Pharmacy First, sharing clinical information with your GP is part of the service and helps keep your medical record up to date.

We hope you never need to complain, but if you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, please speak to a member of our team or the pharmacist in charge. You can also write to us or email. We aim to acknowledge all complaints within two working days and resolve them as quickly as possible.

If you feel your complaint has not been resolved satisfactorily, you can contact the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), NHS England, or the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. We will provide you with the relevant contact details if needed.

Yes, you have the right to request access to any personal data we hold about you. This is known as a Subject Access Request. Please speak to our team or write to us and we will respond within 30 days as required by law.

Yes, we are registered with the ICO as required by law. Our registration details are available on the ICO website and displayed in the pharmacy.

We value all feedback, whether positive or negative. You can share your thoughts in person, by phone, by email, or through our Google Reviews page. We regularly review feedback to improve our services.

Yes, all our consultation rooms are fully enclosed private spaces. Conversations cannot be overheard from the shop floor. We are committed to protecting your privacy during every interaction.

We retain your records for the period required by NHS and legal guidelines, which is typically eight years for pharmacy records. After this period, records are securely destroyed. You can contact us at any time to discuss your data.