We have enjoyed providing pharmacy services in the Alcester area over the last 12 years.
Known as the "silent killer", high blood pressure rarely has obvious symptoms. Around 30% of people in England have high blood pressure but many don't know it. If left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. The only way of knowing there is a problem is to have your blood pressure measured. All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. If you haven’t had yours measured, or you don’t know what your blood pressure reading is, ask your GP, or pharmacy to check it for you. We can measure your blood pressure at Hopkins Pharmacy. Pop in and see us or give us a call to book an appointment.
Cholesterol is a fat (or lipid) that is carried around our body in the blood. Why cholesterol matters: It is vital that we have enough cholesterol if our bodies are to work properly. But too much cholesterol can cause our arteries to become blocked, which increases our risk of heart disease and stroke. Blocked arteries occur when excess cholesterol and other fatty substances attach themselves to the walls of the arteries, causing them to become narrower or 'furred up', meaning that blood cannot pass through as easily. Over time, partially blocked arteries also become hardened and inflamed, increasing the risk of breakage. All this increases the risk of a range of vascular diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. High cholesterol itself doesn't cause any symptoms. This means that you could have high cholesterol and not know about it. The only way to know your cholesterol level is to have it tested. At Hopkins Pharmacy, we can check your cholesterol level. Make an appointment at the counter, or give us a call. There is a charge for this service.
What is Diabetes? Glucose provides the body with energy and after eating the levels of glucose in the blood increase. The body releases a hormone called insulin which makes sure your blood glucose level doesn’t get too high or too low. If you have diabetes, you either resist the effects of insilin or do not produce enough insilin. Your body then uses other sources of energy and unused glucose in the blood builds up. Our blood glucose test is simply a finger prick test. if your blood glucose is raised, we may ask you to return for a fasting blood glucose test. What do the results of the blood glucose test mean? Normal fasting blood plasma glucose is between 4 and 6 millimols per litre or mmol/l for people who do not have diabetes. The standard diagnosis of diabetes is made when two separate blood tests show that your fasting blood glucose level is greater than or equal to 7 mmol/l. If your fasting blood glucose level is between 6 and 7 mmol/l you may have impaired glucose tolerance. This is not diabetes, but may mean your body is not processing glucose properly.
We will refer you to your doctor. If you have impaired glucose tolerance, or if you have a normal fasting blood glucose, together with risk factors for diabetes or symptoms of diabetes, your doctor may decide to do a glucose tolerance test to be sure that you do not have diabetes. You can pop in to see us at Hopkins Pharmacy, or call to make an appointment to have your blood glucose checked.
Medicines Check A Medicines Use Review is a private one to one chat with your pharmacist to focus on how you are getting on with your medicines. It will take place in the pharmacy and can be booked ahead, or you can pop in. The way in which you take your medication can have a huge impact on how effective they are and the amount they impact on your life in both a positive and negative way, with a Hopkins Medicines Check we will ensure that you are getting the most from your medicine! It is an NHS service – which makes it totally FREE to you! You can ask for a medicines use review if: You are regularly taking more than one prescription medicine. You are taking medicines for a long term illness (like asthma, arthritis, diabetes or epilepsy). You've been receiving your medicines for 3 months or more. Do I need a Medicines Check? A medicine's review is useful for a large variety of people including those who might find themselves in the following circumstances:
You are suffering from uncontroled symptoms You aren't sure how to take your medicine You aren't sure when to take your medicine You're struggling to take your medicine You don't understand why you are taking the medicines You've stopped taking your medicines You think you are suffering from side effects from your medicines Even if you’re not in either of these groups, you can ask your pharmacist for advice at any time. Your pharmacist will be happy to arrange a review meeting, and may even suggest it. A Medicines Check at Hopkins Pharmacy will usually take around 10 minutes and is completely confidential and both you and your Doctor will receive a copy of the check. How do I receive this service? When you collect your prescriptions you may ask the pharmacist for a review and the staff will book you an appointment either immediately while you wait or at a convenient time in the following week. Alternately you can phone the pharmacy and book an appointment at a time to suit you.
Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus. If you're at risk of complications from flu, make sure you have your annual flu jab available from September onwards. Who should have the jab? You are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination if you are in an 'at-risk' group. Find out if you should have the flu jab Flu symptoms can hit quite suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. You can often get a cough and sore throat. Because flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won't treat it. Anyone can get flu, but it can be more serious for certain people, such as: people aged 65 or over people who have a serious medical condition pregnant women If you are in one of these groups, you're more vulnerable to the effects of flu (even if you're fit and healthy) and could develop flu complications, which are more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which could result in hospitalisation.
Flu can also make existing medical conditions worse. Who should have the jab? You are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination if you are in an 'at-risk' group: a serious heart complaint a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema serious kidney disease diabetes lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed if you have ever had a stroke if you are pregnant We also provide a private flu vaccination clinic if you don't qualify in the at risk groups above. There is a charge for this service. We can also provide this service to companies who want to protect their staff from flu. This can take place on the company premises, subject to conditions.
What is the New Medicine Service? The New Medicine Service is a free NHS service, offered through your pharmacy (chemist), to help you understand your condition and get the most out of your new medicine. Who is it for? The service is for people who have received their first prescription for a medicine to treat any of the following conditions: asthma lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema type 2 diabetes high blood pressure conditions where you take a medicine to control the way your blood clots. How will it help me? Between 30% and 50% of prescribed medicines are not taken as recommended. This means that a lot of medicines are wasted or are not as effective as they could be. The service will: - help you to find out more about the new medicine you are taking - help to sort out any problems you are having with your new medicine - give you a chance to ask questions about your medicine and discuss any concerns - help to improve the effectiveness of your new medicine, for example, there may be an easier way to take it - help you to make your own decisions about managing your condition - help you to improve your health, which could lead to fewer GP and hospital visits.
The New Medicine Service will help provide better value for you and the NHS by making sure that your medicines are right for you. How does the service work? When you are given your new medicine you will be asked if you want to sign up to the service, which will be provided in three parts. If you agree, you will need to sign a consent form to allow your pharmacist to share your information with other parts of the NHS (see below). Step 1 Your pharmacist will give you information about your new medicine. Step 2 You will be invited to a meeting with your pharmacist between 7 and 14 days after you first receive your medicine. You will be able to choose a time that suits you. This is a confidential conversation and will be provided in a private area within the pharmacy or if you prefer, you could choose to have the discussion over the telephone. Your pharmacist will ask you questions about how you are getting on with your new medicine, find out if you are having any problems and give you any information and support you need.
You may have concerns or questions that you want to ask. You can ask anything at all about your new medicine. Step 3 Your pharmacist will arrange a follow-up discussion with you 14 to 21 days after step 2. You will be able to talk about how things are going with your medicine and ask for more advice if you need it. Why do I need to sign a consent form? In order to receive this service, you will be asked to give your consent for your pharmacist to share information from your New Medicine Service discussions with: your GP, if necessary (for example if they need to change your medicine because you are having a problem with it) your primary care trust (PCT - the local NHS authority), to make sure that the service is being provided properly by your pharmacist your PCT, the NHS Business Services Authority and the Secretary of State for Health, to make sure your pharmacy is being paid the correct amount by the NHS for the service they have provided you. If you do not give your consent you will not be able to use the service. However, when you first receive your medicines your pharmacist will still give you advice about them. How can you prepare for your discussions with the pharmacist? · Read the leaflet that comes with your new medicine. ·
Make a note of questions you want to ask about your new medicine. · Make a note of any concerns about your new medicine that you may want to discuss with your pharmacist. · Bring your new medicine to the meeting with your pharmacist. What happens after the two discussions? · Everything may be okay with your new medicine and nothing else will need to happen. · If you have had problems with the medicine, you may agree with your pharmacist to change the way you take it. · Your pharmacist may recommend that your doctor reviews your new medicine. If this is needed your pharmacist will send a note to your doctor explaining the issues raised. You can have a copy of this note.
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK and can lead to cancer, heart disease and breathing problems as well as a variety of cosmetic side effects. Making the choice to stop smoking is a very important first step, but some people find it hard to take the next one. The good news is that the sooner you stop smoking, the sooner your body can start fighting the negative effects of smoking. Many smokers find that will power alone is not enough to help them kick the cravings, despite their best intentions. From Nicotine gum or lozenges and tablets to inhalators and sprays or patches, there are plenty of smoking cessation aids that can offer a way for smokers to alleviate their cravings and concentrate on kicking the smoking habit once and for all. Luckily, there is plenty of help and support available, as well as numerous products designed to help you quit smoking. Knights Pharmacy offers a Free NHS sponsored Smoking Cessation Service where you can find all you need to know to support you in your attempt to quit smoking. What is Smoking Cessation Service? Our Stop Smoking Service helps smokers stub out their cigarettes and free themselves from their addiction.
A mixture of consultations, counselling sessions and nicotine replacement products combined with expert advice can make it easier for you to stop smoking for good. We also know that difficult changes are easier with support, which is why the NHS-supported Stop Smoking Service is the vital step you can take to quitting smoking for good. Our Free Stop Smoking Service includes: A private and confidential consultation with your Pharmacist Regular counselling sessions Nicotine replacement such as patches, lozenges and gum A Smokalyser test to assess your carbon monoxide levels (please note that products recommended by the service such as nicotine replacement patches or lozenges may not always be free and varies according to your local NHS Primary Care Organisation).
To find out more visit Hopkins pharmacy today for a private and confidential chat with a member of our pharmacy team. Their expert advice is usually available without an appointment. You can also find free NHS support through NHS choices, click here to check for your nearest NHS service. For more information on quitting smoking, please click here. *Will vary according to local Primary Care Organisation service criteria & eligibility
We are available to advise on all your travel needs. From malaria prophylaxis to vaccine requirements, sun care to insect repellant, we will meet your every need.
Known as the "silent killer", high blood pressure rarely has obvious symptoms. Around 30% of people in England have high blood pressure but many don't know it. If left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. The only way of knowing there is a problem is to have your blood pressure measured. All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. If you haven’t had yours measured, or you don’t know what your blood pressure reading is, ask your GP, or pharmacy to check it for you. We can measure your blood pressure at Hopkins Pharmacy. Pop in and see us or give us a call to book an appointment.
Cholesterol is a fat (or lipid) that is carried around our body in the blood. Why cholesterol matters: It is vital that we have enough cholesterol if our bodies are to work properly. But too much cholesterol can cause our arteries to become blocked, which increases our risk of heart disease and stroke. Blocked arteries occur when excess cholesterol and other fatty substances attach themselves to the walls of the arteries, causing them to become narrower or 'furred up', meaning that blood cannot pass through as easily. Over time, partially blocked arteries also become hardened and inflamed, increasing the risk of breakage. All this increases the risk of a range of vascular diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. High cholesterol itself doesn't cause any symptoms. This means that you could have high cholesterol and not know about it. The only way to know your cholesterol level is to have it tested. At Hopkins Pharmacy, we can check your cholesterol level. Make an appointment at the counter, or give us a call. There is a charge for this service.
What is Diabetes? Glucose provides the body with energy and after eating the levels of glucose in the blood increase. The body releases a hormone called insulin which makes sure your blood glucose level doesn’t get too high or too low. If you have diabetes, you either resist the effects of insilin or do not produce enough insilin. Your body then uses other sources of energy and unused glucose in the blood builds up. Our blood glucose test is simply a finger prick test. if your blood glucose is raised, we may ask you to return for a fasting blood glucose test. What do the results of the blood glucose test mean? Normal fasting blood plasma glucose is between 4 and 6 millimols per litre or mmol/l for people who do not have diabetes. The standard diagnosis of diabetes is made when two separate blood tests show that your fasting blood glucose level is greater than or equal to 7 mmol/l. If your fasting blood glucose level is between 6 and 7 mmol/l you may have impaired glucose tolerance. This is not diabetes, but may mean your body is not processing glucose properly.
We will refer you to your doctor. If you have impaired glucose tolerance, or if you have a normal fasting blood glucose, together with risk factors for diabetes or symptoms of diabetes, your doctor may decide to do a glucose tolerance test to be sure that you do not have diabetes. You can pop in to see us at Hopkins Pharmacy, or call to make an appointment to have your blood glucose checked.
Medicines Check A Medicines Use Review is a private one to one chat with your pharmacist to focus on how you are getting on with your medicines. It will take place in the pharmacy and can be booked ahead, or you can pop in. The way in which you take your medication can have a huge impact on how effective they are and the amount they impact on your life in both a positive and negative way, with a Hopkins Medicines Check we will ensure that you are getting the most from your medicine! It is an NHS service – which makes it totally FREE to you! You can ask for a medicines use review if: You are regularly taking more than one prescription medicine. You are taking medicines for a long term illness (like asthma, arthritis, diabetes or epilepsy). You've been receiving your medicines for 3 months or more. Do I need a Medicines Check? A medicine's review is useful for a large variety of people including those who might find themselves in the following circumstances:
You are suffering from uncontroled symptoms You aren't sure how to take your medicine You aren't sure when to take your medicine You're struggling to take your medicine You don't understand why you are taking the medicines You've stopped taking your medicines You think you are suffering from side effects from your medicines Even if you’re not in either of these groups, you can ask your pharmacist for advice at any time. Your pharmacist will be happy to arrange a review meeting, and may even suggest it. A Medicines Check at Hopkins Pharmacy will usually take around 10 minutes and is completely confidential and both you and your Doctor will receive a copy of the check. How do I receive this service? When you collect your prescriptions you may ask the pharmacist for a review and the staff will book you an appointment either immediately while you wait or at a convenient time in the following week. Alternately you can phone the pharmacy and book an appointment at a time to suit you.
Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus. If you're at risk of complications from flu, make sure you have your annual flu jab available from September onwards. Who should have the jab? You are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination if you are in an 'at-risk' group. Find out if you should have the flu jab Flu symptoms can hit quite suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. You can often get a cough and sore throat. Because flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won't treat it. Anyone can get flu, but it can be more serious for certain people, such as: people aged 65 or over people who have a serious medical condition pregnant women If you are in one of these groups, you're more vulnerable to the effects of flu (even if you're fit and healthy) and could develop flu complications, which are more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which could result in hospitalisation.
Flu can also make existing medical conditions worse. Who should have the jab? You are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination if you are in an 'at-risk' group: a serious heart complaint a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema serious kidney disease diabetes lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed if you have ever had a stroke if you are pregnant We also provide a private flu vaccination clinic if you don't qualify in the at risk groups above. There is a charge for this service. We can also provide this service to companies who want to protect their staff from flu. This can take place on the company premises, subject to conditions.
What is the New Medicine Service? The New Medicine Service is a free NHS service, offered through your pharmacy (chemist), to help you understand your condition and get the most out of your new medicine. Who is it for? The service is for people who have received their first prescription for a medicine to treat any of the following conditions: asthma lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema type 2 diabetes high blood pressure conditions where you take a medicine to control the way your blood clots. How will it help me? Between 30% and 50% of prescribed medicines are not taken as recommended. This means that a lot of medicines are wasted or are not as effective as they could be. The service will: - help you to find out more about the new medicine you are taking - help to sort out any problems you are having with your new medicine - give you a chance to ask questions about your medicine and discuss any concerns - help to improve the effectiveness of your new medicine, for example, there may be an easier way to take it - help you to make your own decisions about managing your condition - help you to improve your health, which could lead to fewer GP and hospital visits.
The New Medicine Service will help provide better value for you and the NHS by making sure that your medicines are right for you. How does the service work? When you are given your new medicine you will be asked if you want to sign up to the service, which will be provided in three parts. If you agree, you will need to sign a consent form to allow your pharmacist to share your information with other parts of the NHS (see below). Step 1 Your pharmacist will give you information about your new medicine. Step 2 You will be invited to a meeting with your pharmacist between 7 and 14 days after you first receive your medicine. You will be able to choose a time that suits you. This is a confidential conversation and will be provided in a private area within the pharmacy or if you prefer, you could choose to have the discussion over the telephone. Your pharmacist will ask you questions about how you are getting on with your new medicine, find out if you are having any problems and give you any information and support you need.
You may have concerns or questions that you want to ask. You can ask anything at all about your new medicine. Step 3 Your pharmacist will arrange a follow-up discussion with you 14 to 21 days after step 2. You will be able to talk about how things are going with your medicine and ask for more advice if you need it. Why do I need to sign a consent form? In order to receive this service, you will be asked to give your consent for your pharmacist to share information from your New Medicine Service discussions with: your GP, if necessary (for example if they need to change your medicine because you are having a problem with it) your primary care trust (PCT - the local NHS authority), to make sure that the service is being provided properly by your pharmacist your PCT, the NHS Business Services Authority and the Secretary of State for Health, to make sure your pharmacy is being paid the correct amount by the NHS for the service they have provided you. If you do not give your consent you will not be able to use the service. However, when you first receive your medicines your pharmacist will still give you advice about them. How can you prepare for your discussions with the pharmacist? · Read the leaflet that comes with your new medicine. ·
Make a note of questions you want to ask about your new medicine. · Make a note of any concerns about your new medicine that you may want to discuss with your pharmacist. · Bring your new medicine to the meeting with your pharmacist. What happens after the two discussions? · Everything may be okay with your new medicine and nothing else will need to happen. · If you have had problems with the medicine, you may agree with your pharmacist to change the way you take it. · Your pharmacist may recommend that your doctor reviews your new medicine. If this is needed your pharmacist will send a note to your doctor explaining the issues raised. You can have a copy of this note.
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK and can lead to cancer, heart disease and breathing problems as well as a variety of cosmetic side effects. Making the choice to stop smoking is a very important first step, but some people find it hard to take the next one. The good news is that the sooner you stop smoking, the sooner your body can start fighting the negative effects of smoking. Many smokers find that will power alone is not enough to help them kick the cravings, despite their best intentions. From Nicotine gum or lozenges and tablets to inhalators and sprays or patches, there are plenty of smoking cessation aids that can offer a way for smokers to alleviate their cravings and concentrate on kicking the smoking habit once and for all. Luckily, there is plenty of help and support available, as well as numerous products designed to help you quit smoking. Knights Pharmacy offers a Free NHS sponsored Smoking Cessation Service where you can find all you need to know to support you in your attempt to quit smoking. What is Smoking Cessation Service? Our Stop Smoking Service helps smokers stub out their cigarettes and free themselves from their addiction.
A mixture of consultations, counselling sessions and nicotine replacement products combined with expert advice can make it easier for you to stop smoking for good. We also know that difficult changes are easier with support, which is why the NHS-supported Stop Smoking Service is the vital step you can take to quitting smoking for good. Our Free Stop Smoking Service includes: A private and confidential consultation with your Pharmacist Regular counselling sessions Nicotine replacement such as patches, lozenges and gum A Smokalyser test to assess your carbon monoxide levels (please note that products recommended by the service such as nicotine replacement patches or lozenges may not always be free and varies according to your local NHS Primary Care Organisation).
To find out more visit Hopkins pharmacy today for a private and confidential chat with a member of our pharmacy team. Their expert advice is usually available without an appointment. You can also find free NHS support through NHS choices, click here to check for your nearest NHS service. For more information on quitting smoking, please click here. *Will vary according to local Primary Care Organisation service criteria & eligibility
We are available to advise on all your travel needs. From malaria prophylaxis to vaccine requirements, sun care to insect repellant, we will meet your every need.
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 6QR