Open today until 18:1530+ NHS & private services Β· same-week appointments, walk-ins welcome 139 New Road, Chatham Β· 2 min from the station
Open until 18:15 Β· 30+ services Β· walk-ins welcome
NHSFREE FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT Β· LONG-TERM CONDITIONSFREE Β· FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT

Start your new medicine with confidence

The NHS New Medicine Service gives you structured pharmacist support during the first four weeks of a new long-term medicine, when most questions and side effects arise.

Free NHS support during the first four weeks of a new long-term medicine.

βœ“Free NHS service, no appointment fee
βœ“Follow-ups at day 7 and week 4
βœ“Private consultation room in Chatham
βœ“Free NHS service
βœ“Day 7 and week 4 follow-ups
βœ“Private Chatham pharmacy
Why it helps
  • βœ“Improves medicine adherence by around 12%
  • βœ“Catches side effects before they become serious
  • βœ“Reduces medicine waste and GP appointments
  • βœ“Better control of asthma, diabetes and blood pressure
HOW IT WORKS

Four steps to safer starts

Most problems with new medicines appear in the first few weeks. We are with you through each one.

STEP 1Initial chatBring your prescription or collection slip. A pharmacist checks your understanding, explains dosage and records your goals.
1
Initial chatDosage, goals and questions answered
STEP 2Seven-day reviewA phone or face-to-face check to spot early side effects, missed doses or practical barriers such as inhaler technique.
2
Seven-day reviewCatch side effects early
STEP 3Week-four checkWe review symptom control, agree next steps and update your GP if an adjustment is needed.
3
Week-four checkReview progress and next steps
STEP 4Any-time accessCall or pop in whenever you need extra reassurance between appointments.
4
Any-time accessExtra reassurance when you need it
CONDITIONS COVERED

Common long-term conditions we support

The NHS updates the list of covered conditions from time to time. If your medicine is not listed, ask our pharmacist whether you qualify.

βœ“Asthma & COPD
βœ“Type 2 diabetes
βœ“High blood pressure
βœ“High cholesterol
βœ“Antiplatelet therapy
βœ“Anticoagulant therapy
βœ“Epilepsy
βœ“Parkinson's disease
βœ“Gout
βœ“Glaucoma
βœ“Thyroid conditions
βœ“Depression & anxiety (selected medicines)
SAFER STARTS

Expert support when it matters most

Evidence from NHS England shows that the New Medicine Service improves adherence and helps patients feel more confident. Small practical tips β€” like using a reminder app or taking tablets with food β€” can make a big difference.

If needed, we liaise directly with your GP so you do not have to repeat your story. Your consultation takes place in our private room and your data is handled in line with GPhC guidance.

12%average improvement in medicine adherence

New Medicine Service FAQs

Starting a new medicine?

Book a free NHS consultation at Chatham Pharmacy and get structured support in the first four weeks.

Book a consultation

Starting a new medicine? Book your free check-in

Free NHS service Β· private consultation Β· 139 New Road, Chatham ME4 4PT.

Free NHS service Β· private consultation