Women’s Health Services at Derby Street Pharmacy: More Than Just Prescriptions

When it comes to health, women often put themselves last. Between work, family and everything else going on, booking a GP appointment for something that feels “not urgent enough” tends to slide down the list. But your health matters, and getting the right support does not always mean sitting in a waiting room for weeks.

At Derby Street Pharmacy in Hanley, we offer a range of women’s health services that are designed to be accessible, confidential and, in many cases, completely free through the NHS.

NHS Pharmacy First for common conditions

Since January 2024, the NHS Pharmacy First service has made it possible for pharmacists to assess and treat certain conditions that previously required a GP appointment. Several of the conditions covered by Pharmacy First are ones that affect women frequently:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

If you have ever had a UTI, you know how uncomfortable it is. The burning, the constant need to go to the bathroom, the disruption to your day. Under Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess your symptoms, confirm a UTI and prescribe antibiotics on the spot, all without needing to see a doctor. The consultation is private, the treatment is free, and you can walk in without an appointment.

For women who get recurrent UTIs, this is a real game-changer. Instead of waiting days for a GP slot while the infection gets worse, you can come straight to us and get treated the same day.

Uncomplicated lower back pain and period pain

Period pain might be common, but that does not mean you should just put up with it. If over-the-counter painkillers are not helping, our pharmacist can discuss stronger options and, where appropriate, supply prescription-strength pain relief through the Pharmacy First pathway.

Impetigo and other skin conditions

Skin infections can flare up at any time, and getting a quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent them from spreading. Our pharmacist can assess and treat these conditions without a GP referral.

Contraception support

We understand that contraception is a personal choice, and sometimes you just need straightforward, judgement-free advice. At Derby Street Pharmacy, we can help with:

• Emergency contraception – available over the counter and through a private consultation. Our pharmacist will have a quick, confidential chat to make sure it is the right option for you and explain how to take it.
• Ongoing contraception advice – if you are thinking about starting, changing or stopping contraception, our pharmacist can talk you through the options and help you decide what is right for your lifestyle.
• Repeat prescriptions – if you are already on the pill or another prescription contraceptive, we can handle your repeats through our prescription service so you never run out.

Menopause and perimenopause

Menopause is one of those topics that people are finally starting to talk about more openly, and it is about time. The symptoms can be wide-ranging and genuinely disruptive, from hot flushes and night sweats to brain fog, mood changes and joint pain.

While we cannot prescribe HRT (hormone replacement therapy) at the pharmacy, what we can do is offer practical support:

• Advice on over-the-counter remedies and supplements that may help with specific symptoms
• Blood pressure monitoring, which is important if you are on or considering HRT
• Dispensing and managing your HRT prescriptions if your GP has prescribed them
• A listening ear. Sometimes just being able to talk through what you are experiencing with a healthcare professional makes a difference

Sexual health

Pharmacy is often the first place people turn for sexual health support because it is discreet and accessible. At Derby Street Pharmacy, we take your privacy seriously. All consultations happen in our private consultation room, and nothing is discussed where other customers can hear.

We can provide advice on sexually transmitted infections, help with emergency contraception and signpost you to specialist sexual health clinics in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire when more detailed testing or treatment is needed.

General wellbeing

Beyond specific conditions, there are everyday health needs where your local pharmacy can help more than you might realise:

• NHS blood pressure checks – a free service available to all adults. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It takes five minutes and could genuinely save your life.
• Flu vaccinations – available each autumn for eligible groups including pregnant women. We also offer private flu jabs if you are not in an eligible NHS group.
• Vitamins and supplements – our pharmacist can advise on folic acid, vitamin D, iron and other supplements that are particularly relevant at different stages of a woman’s life.
• New medicine reviews – if you have recently been prescribed a new medication, we offer free NHS reviews to check it is working for you and answer any questions.

Why women in Stoke-on-Trent are choosing pharmacy first

We have noticed a real shift over the past year. More women are coming to us as their first port of call rather than waiting for a GP appointment, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The most common things we hear are:

• “I did not realise I could get this treated at the pharmacy.”
• “It was so much quicker than trying to get a doctor’s appointment.”
• “I felt comfortable talking about it because the consultation was private.”

That is exactly what community pharmacy should be. Accessible, professional healthcare that fits around your life.

Visit us

Derby Street Pharmacy is at 17 Derby Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3LE. We are open Monday to Friday, and most of our services are available on a walk-in basis. If you would prefer to book a specific time, you can do so through our website or by calling 01782 215215.

Whether it is a UTI that needs treating today, advice on contraception or just a conversation about what is going on with your health, we are here to help. No judgement, no long waits, just good healthcare from people who care.