Pharmacists are only trying to help patients

WITH recent controversy regarding access to codeine containing analgesics over the counter from your pharmacy, this “Why all the questions...” has come to the fore again.

An interaction with a patient when I was newly qualified some years back has stayed with me to this day.

I asked “Are these for yourself?” only to be asked back, “are you going to give me the fucking tablets or not?”

Why would I put myself in that position, you may ask? I could have just “sold” the patient, and customer, whatever they wanted.

Why, well because it is my job to ensure that every customer gets the most appropriate medicine for their symptoms.

This will invariably involve asking questions. I want to ensure, as much as possible, that patients get the best medicines for their symptoms.

This is why our staff are trained to do this and that is why many medicines are only available in pharmacies.

So the next time you’re looking for medicines for your illness, work together with your pharmacist, or medicines counter assistant, to ensure that you get the best medicines for your symptoms.

Expect to be asked questions in your pharmacy — it’s for the good of your health.

Ultan Molloy

MPSI Health West Communtiy Pharmacy

Ballindine

Co Mayo