Care at the Chemist

Did you know that you can get free, fast and expert health advice at any pharmacy in Sefton?

Our Care at the Chemist scheme is the quickest and easiest way to get advice and treatment from a health professional for a wide range of everyday illnesses and ailments – without even setting foot in your doctor’s surgery.

So, if you have a common or minor health problem, Care at the Chemist is for you. You don’t need an appointment and you’ll find a chemist close to home, with many open early until late.

Medicines are free for anyone who does not pay for their prescriptions – all you need is proof of exemption. Those who do pay will be charged the current prescription charge. If the medicine costs less to buy over the counter than the prescription charge, you will pay the lower rate. 

For more information, simply pop into one of the pharmacies who are signed up to the scheme and ask about joining Care at the Chemist. Use the interactive map or list below to find your nearest pharmacy that offers Care at the Chemist.

Extended Care at the Chemist

We have commissioned an Extended Care at the Chemist service for 2022/2023. Women between the ages of 16 and 65 years who have symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) and who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, can now access treatment directly from participating pharmacies without the need to be seen by a GP.

Please note: Pharmacies participating in the Extended Care at the Chemist scheme in Sefton are highlighted with an asterisk (*) and in bold in the list below.

We are working with NHS Southport and Formby CCG and those pharmacies listed to provide Care at the Chemist and here is the range of common, everyday illnesses and ailments that are included in the scheme:

• Athlete’s foot
• Cold sores
• Conjunctivitis
• Constipation
• Contact dermatitis
• Coughs & colds
• Cystitis
• Diarrhoea
• Dry eyes
• Ear wax 
• Fever
• Haemorrhoids (piles)
• Hayfever & allergies
• Head lice
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Infant colic
• Insect bites/stings
• Nappy rash
• Nasal congestion
• Pain
• Scabies
• Sore throat
• Sprains & strains
• Teething
• Threadworm
• Toothache
• Thrush
• Warts and verrucas