Community Pharmacy Services
There are 66 pharmacies in Bedfordshire who as well as dispensing prescriptions offer expert health advice, information on medicines and specific symptoms, and can safely dispose of out of date and unwanted medicines.
Pharmacy rotas and out of hours opening
Some pharmacies are open until late each day (Monday to Saturday) and some are open on Sundays. See below for details.
On bank holidays, a pharmacy rota system operates to ensure that there is a pharmacy open for at least one to two hours a day in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. A pharmacy rota notice is usually displayed in the window of all pharmacies. View details of pharmacy opening hours over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Your pharmacist
Pharmacists are experts in medicines; their training and education includes a three to four year university degree followed by another year of work experience before qualifying. Pharmacists work with pharmacy staff who are also qualified to dispense medicines, provide healthcare advice and promote healthy living.
Additional services offered by pharmacists
In addition to the standard services available, NHS Bedfordshire works closely with its community pharmacists to provide further healthcare services for the public.
These services include:
- NHS Stop Smoking Service
- Chlamydia testing and treatment
- Emergency (Hormonal) Contraception
- Emergency access to Palliative Care medicines
- Substance misuse – supervised administration
- Needle Exchange Service
To find a pharmacy providing any of these services see below.
Other services available from your community pharmacy:
- Repeat dispensing – this service may be suitable for patients requiring medication on a long-term basis and allows them to receive a batch of prescriptions from their GP. The prescriptions can then be dispensed by your pharmacist without the need to request a repeat from your doctor each time. Not all patients will be eligible for this service; to find out more, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Medicines Use Review (MUR) – patients can request an appointment at their regular pharmacy to discuss their medication. This NHS service is free for all patients. The review helps to give you a better understanding of the medication you are taking; discuss any problems relating to your medication and ensure that you are taking your medicines correctly. Most pharmacies in Bedfordshire offer this service – Ask your pharmacist.
Below are details of pharmacies in Bedfordshire and the services they offer.
Pharmacies in Bedford and North Bedfordshire Pharmacies in Mid Bedfordshire Pharmacies in South Bedfordshire