What to expect from your pharmacist

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are trained to prepare and dispense medicines and to give the public advice about their use. They are based in the community (local pharmacies) and in hospitals. As well as dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists can advise people on over-the-counter treatments for a variety of ailments, and many now operate a wide-range of other health services dependent on their training and qualifications, such as independent prescribing and smoking cessation services.

All registered pharmacists in Northern Ireland are expected to abide by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland's Code of Ethics in delivering services to the public.

Above all, this means that they should:

• Make the safety and welfare of their patients their primary concern;
• Respect and protect confidential information;
• Show respect for others;
• Exercise professional judgement in the interests of patients and the public;
• Encourage patients to participate in decisions about their care;
• Maintain and develop professional knowledge and competence;
• Act with honesty and integrity; and
• Provide a good standard of practice and care at all times

Should the services you receive from your pharmacist come below any of these standards, members of the public are encouraged to notify the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland at 73 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HL, or by email to complaints@psni.org.uk, or by facsimile to 028 90439919.

Please see the "Making a Complaint" section for more details.