Aston Pharmacy

05/09/2026

**There's something we'd like everyone to remember.**

The person behind the pharmacy counter didn't cause your medicine to be out of stock.

They didn't make your GP send the prescription incorrectly.

They didn't decide how long a hospital discharge prescription would take.

And they certainly aren't deliberately making you wait.

What they ARE doing is trying to help.

Community pharmacy teams are working under enormous pressure while providing more healthcare services than ever before.

Most patients are incredibly kind and understanding.

Unfortunately, pharmacy staff can also experience shouting, swearing, threats and abuse simply for trying to do their jobs.

Please remember there's a person on the other side of the counter.

We will always do everything we reasonably can to help you.

All we ask for in return is a little patience and respect.

Kindness costs nothing.

04/09/2026

**What if seven minutes could tell you something incredibly important about your heart health?**

The NHS has just announced that around 100 pharmacies in England will begin trialling quick cholesterol checks this autumn.

The new service will use a finger-prick test to provide a cholesterol profile in around seven minutes.

It's another example of how community pharmacy is moving towards prevention rather than simply treating people once they become unwell.

High cholesterol doesn't normally cause symptoms.

You can't feel it.

You can't see it.

But over time it can contribute to serious cardiovascular problems.

So here's our question...

**If a cholesterol check was available at your local pharmacy, would you have one?**

YES – absolutely.

MAYBE – if I was worried.

NO – I'd rather see my GP.

Tell us below.

03/09/2026

**Flu season is coming... and this year's vaccination programme is already underway.**

It might only be September, but the NHS flu vaccination programme has officially started.

Pregnant women and children are among the first groups being offered protection, with more eligible adults becoming able to receive their NHS flu vaccination from October.

And there's a good reason we vaccinate before winter really arrives.

Flu isn't simply a heavy cold. For some people it can cause serious complications, particularly those who are older, pregnant or living with certain health conditions.

The flu virus can also change from year to year, which is why having last year's vaccination doesn't mean you're automatically protected this winter.

If you're eligible, don't wait until everyone around you is coughing and sneezing before thinking about it.

Protect yourself before flu starts circulating widely.

We'll be sharing more information about flu vaccinations and eligibility over the coming weeks.

02/09/2026

In this weeks blog we look at how the NHS are trialling and backing Pharmacies to carry out all important blood test to identify those who could have high cholesterol.

this is yet another clear sign of the importance of Pharmacy and how Pharmacy is not just about dispensing prescriptions.

Let us know what you think

Community pharmacy is changing. A new NHS pilot will see pharmacies offering quick finger-prick blood tests to help identify high cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. While we’re not offering the service yet, it’s another exciting example of how pharmacies are helping detect health problems earl...

01/09/2026

When you think about your local pharmacy, what comes to mind?

For some people, it's where they collect their prescription.

For others, it's where they've known the same members of staff for years.

It's somewhere they can ask a question when they're worried.

Somewhere to have their blood pressure checked.

Somewhere to get vaccinated.

Somewhere to ask about their medication.

Or sometimes simply somewhere there's a familiar face who knows their name.

Community pharmacy is changing rapidly, but we never want to lose the community part of it.

So we'd love you to finish this sentence:

"I value my local pharmacy because..."

We'll be reading every answer.

31/08/2026

Here's today's health challenge.

Put your phone somewhere you can't reach it.

And leave it there for 30 minutes.

No scrolling.

No emails.

No Facebook.

No TikTok.

No news.

Instead:

Go for a walk.

Talk to someone.

Read.

Sit outside.

Make something.

Play with the kids.

Or simply do absolutely nothing.

Phones are incredibly useful, but sometimes we don't realise quite how automatically we reach for them.

Could you manage 30 minutes without yours?

Be honest.

31/08/2026

Whether you're making the most of the long weekend, heading out for the day, spending time with family or simply enjoying a well-earned day at home, we hope you have a fantastic Bank Holiday Monday.

A little reminder from your pharmacy team too...

If you're heading out, remember the basics: stay hydrated, use sun protection if the weather is kind to us, take any regular medication with you and look out for friends and family.

And if the British Bank Holiday weather does what it does best and sends us all indoors instead... put the kettle on and enjoy the extra day off!

Please remember that pharmacy opening hours may be different today, so if you require urgent healthcare advice while your usual pharmacy is closed, NHS 111 can help direct you to the most appropriate service.

From everyone across our pharmacy team, have a safe, healthy and enjoyable Bank Holiday Monday.

What's everyone up to today?

30/08/2026

There's a huge amount of conversation about GLP-1 weight-management treatments.

Most of that conversation focuses on one number:

Weight.

But successful weight management isn't simply about making that number as small as possible.

Nutrition still matters.

Protein matters.

Physical activity matters.

And maintaining muscle matters.

If someone substantially reduces the amount they're eating, they also need to think about the nutritional quality of what remains.

Weight-management medication should form part of a broader approach to improving health rather than simply becoming a race to lose weight as quickly as possible.

The goal shouldn't just be lighter.

The goal should be healthier.

29/08/2026

Got old medication sitting in a drawer?

Please don't put unwanted medicines down the sink or toilet.

Instead, bring unwanted medicines to a community pharmacy for safe disposal.

And while you're there, it's worth giving the medicine cupboard a proper clear-out.

Check for:

Expired medication.
Old prescriptions you no longer use.
Duplicate medicines.
Half-used bottles you've forgotten about.
Medicines that are no longer required.

Today's challenge: check ONE medicine drawer or cupboard.

You might be surprised by what you find at the back.

28/08/2026

We want to hear the health advice you grew up with.

Did your parents or grandparents ever tell you:

"Don't go outside with wet hair."

"Feed a cold, starve a fever."

"Cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis."

"Going out without a coat will give you a cold."

"Carrots will help you see in the dark."

Some contain a tiny grain of truth.

Others... considerably less.

What's the health advice your parents or grandparents ALWAYS used to tell you?

Put it in the comments.

We might pick some of the best ones and do a Myth vs Fact post.