If you suffer from asthma or COPD, our fully-trained in store staff can offer you free, confidential advice on how to control your symptoms and get the most out of your medicines.
What happens during the Respiratory Support Service?
As part of the Respiratory Support Service, you may be asked to complete a Quality of Life Questionnaire, otherwise referred to as an Asthma Control TestTM or COPD Assessment Test, which will help to determine how well you have managed your medicines during the past four weeks and enables us to identify customers who would benefit from further advice.
We can also check your inhaler technique with a device called an In-Check Dial. You will be given advice about how to manage your asthma or COPD symptoms and medicines, covering the specific areas that you may have difficulty with. Then, depending on the outcomes of these tests, you may be asked to book a follow-up appointment with the pharmacist to discuss what support you require.
As part of the Respiratory Support Service, there are two other services that may be offered:
Medicines Check Up
During a Medicines Check Up we will talk to you about how you can manage your medicines effectively, including:
- The best way to take your medicines and how to remember to take them regularly
- Your peak flow (if necessary)
- Managing and reducing any side effects
- Allergies, which can also affect people with asthma
- Whether or not you should see your GP
New Medicine Service (NMS)
If you have recently been diagnosed with asthma or COPD, or have been living with it for some time, it can be overwhelming when you get prescribed a new medicine to help manage your condition. It is important that you follow any advice given to you by your GP, but you can also talk to your pharmacist if you are prescribed a new medicine and want further advice and support.