National Co-operative Chemists Ltd has produced a second edition of its formulary of over-the-counter medicines for treating minor ailments which is used by its staff to advise customers.
The formulary now covers 33 conditions, each of which includes product recommendations which the company states are based solely on the efficacy of the product in question.
The formulary is to be used by pharmacists and assistants at the group's 277 branches and is being supported by training evenings, a work book for sales staff and an incentive scheme for those completing the training. In a follow up early next year, "mystery shoppers" are to visit branches to test whether correct advice is being given.
The company is also installing point-of-sale dispensers at every branch for its range of 36 "bookmarks" which give advice on the treatment of minor ailments. These are provided free-of-charge to customers.
The company says that these have proved popular and have led to several charities, including the British Allergy Foundation, ordering additional supplies of individual leaflets.

Adrian Price (branch manager, Birchwood, Warrington) discussing the formulary and bookmarks with staff supervisor Carol Glynne