PHARMACISTS in Andover will be able to provide repeat prescriptions and treat minor illnesses under a new contract that came into force on Friday.

The new contract means that by October patients who visit the pharmacy will be able to benefit from an expanded range of services. Patients will be able to collect a repeat prescription covering up to a maximum of 12 months, saving time-consuming trips to the GP.

Pharmacists will also be offering additional services, from stop smoking clinics to diabetes screenings and blood pressure monitoring.

Patients will be able to sit down with their pharmacists, without an appointment, to discuss any concerns over their medicines.

The contract also means older people will be able to have their medicines delivered to their homes and pharmacists will be able to treat minor illnesses such as stomach problems, children's ailments, coughs and colds, skin complaints and provide pain relief.

Mary Tuff, manager of Stockbridge Pharmacy, which is one of three pharmacies in Test Valley that have been accredited, has been ahead of the contract and been providing many of these services, including stop smoking clinics for the past 18 months. For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.