Pharmacists mix, measure and dispense drugs prescribed by doctors.  Accuracy is very important in all aspects of the job, and so pharmacists have five years education and training to ensure they know the chemical and physical properties of every drugs and any possible interactions between them.

In England, 1.6 million people visit a pharmacy each day and over the course of a year an average person visits a pharmacy 14 times.  The main reasons for visiting the pharmacy are to collect medicine prescribed by a doctor, buy medicine over the counter or to get health advice from the pharmacist.

Because of their accessibility and what they do pharmacists are one of the most trusted professions in the UK, but they do a lot more than prescribe your medicine in your local pharmacy.  Pharmacy makes a vital contribution to society – over the years medicines and access to medicines have revolutionised the health of the nation.

Things to look out for in and around the pharmacy:

• Green cross sign
• Pills
• Medicine
• Measuring scales and beakers
• Plasters
• Vitamins
• Scissors

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