Milton Keynes Council launches '˜healthy living' pharmacies

MK residents can now go to their local community pharmacies for advice and support on a range of health issues that may have previously required a GP appointment.

The majority of local community pharmacies in MK have started the journey to become a Healthy Living Pharmacy to create easier access to health care.

Each Healthy Living Pharmacy has a Healthy Living Champion who can provide advice on issues such as smoking, exercise, sexual health, healthy eating, alcohol consumption, and minor ailments.

Each pharmacy will also have a Health Promotion Zone, where current health promotion campaigns and advice can be accessed to meet the needs of the local community.

Council Leader, Pete Marland launched the first phase of the new pharmacies.

He said: “80 per cent of our community pharmacies in Milton Keynes have now received training and can offer advice and support from trained Health Champions.

“This will make it easier for residents to access healthcare advice and could also take pressure away from local GP surgeries.

Muriel Scott, Milton Keynes Council director of public health said: “Pharmacies are easy to access and have local knowledge of their communities, this combined with the expertise and knowledge from trained Healthy Living Pharmacies staff offers the perfect opportunity to provide health prevention support.

“By offering a range of high quality services Healthy Living Pharmacies can contribute towards reducing health inequalities by improving health and wellbeing outcomes in their communities.”