Pharmacy teams reach hundreds of students at freshers’ events across Derbyshire
Pharmacy teams in Derby and Derbyshire have been out in force this autumn, attending 11 freshers events to share important information about pharmacy services with hundreds of students.
NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB, in partnership with Community Pharmacy Derbyshire, attended Derby University, Buxton and Leek College, Chesterfield College and more in September.
This outreach comes as pharmacy services continue to play a vital role in improving access to healthcare, particularly as we enter the winter months.
Pharmacy teams are trained to offer advice on many common conditions, and can now offer prescription medication for certain conditions, and supply oral contraception, without needing a GP appointment or prescription.
As part of the national Pharmacy First Scheme, Community Pharmacies in Derby and Derbyshire have delivered over 103,000 consultations between April 2024 – June 2025, saving more than 17,000 GP hours, the equivalent of 22 full-time clinicians.
With winter approaching and many students living or studying away from home for the first time, understanding where to get quick access to support is more important than ever.
Paula Whitehurst, Community Pharmacy Integration Programme Manager, NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB said: “Community pharmacy has evolved significantly in recent years, Pharmacy teams are becoming a cornerstone of accessible, front-line healthcare.
“Pharmacists are not only dispensing medication, they are delivering clinical services and offering expert advice to keep people well.
“Through schemes like the Pharmacy First service, people can often receive same-day consultations for illnesses such as sore throats, Urinary Tract Infections, sinusitis and more.
“The freshers’ events have been a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with students and raise awareness of the services community pharmacies offer. Many of the young people we spoke to weren’t aware they could walk into a pharmacy for advice, treatment, or even contraception, without needing to see a GP.
“It’s all about making healthcare feel approachable, especially for those who might not know where to turn.”
Amanda Alamanos, Engagement Lead, Community Pharmacy Derbyshire said “Pharmacies are a trusted part of the NHS, rooted in the communities they serve. As independent providers, they bring agility, deep community insight, and clinical expertise to the frontline of healthcare.
“Their role is indispensable, especially as demand grows and the system leans on trusted partners to deliver accessible, high-quality care.”
With 197 community pharmacies in Derby and Derbyshire, most of which are within walking distance and offer extended hours, people can get the care they need quickly, conveniently, and close to home.