Using pharmacies or dispensing doctors in County Durham

Report - 1 November 2017

Our report looks into the experiences of people accessing pharmacy services in County Durham.

Following a work plan request by the County Durham & Darlington Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) and County Durham Public Health Team it was agreed that Healthwatch County Durham would carry out a consultation exercise from July to September 2017, capturing the views and experiences of individuals accessing pharmacy and dispensing doctor services across County Durham.

What People Told Us

54% access pharmacy services at least monthly and 52% always visit the same pharmacy service
Respondents stated that the top 3 things that pharmacies do well are providing good customer care with friendly, caring staff; making sure prescriptions are available in a timely manner; providing good advice and information
Other services that respondents would like to access from pharmacies include extended opening hours; disposal of Sharps boxes; blood pressure monitoring
Respondents said that pharmacy services could be improved by extended opening hours including pharmacists being available at lunchtimes and Saturdays; bigger waiting areas; dispensing more quickly
Respondents’ awareness of the services that pharmacies provide range from dispensing medicines (93%) to sexual health testing (38%)
Respondents’ use of services range from the dispensing medicines service (78%) to sexual health testing (1.28%)