Chemists in Chelmsford
Find local pharmacies and chemists across the city
Pharmacies & Chemists in Chelmsford
Chelmsford is the county town and only city of Essex, granted city status in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee. With a population of around 180,000 in the city area (and over 380,000 in the borough), it is the administrative, commercial, and healthcare hub of Essex. Located 33 miles from London Liverpool Street with fast 35-minute rail connections, Chelmsford functions partly as a commuter city while maintaining a strong independent identity. The Meadows Shopping Centre and High Chelmer provide good retail including pharmacy provision. Anglia Ruskin University has a significant campus in Chelmsford. Chelmsford's pharmacy scene serves a relatively affluent, well-educated population with high health literacy, alongside more deprived communities in areas like Moulsham and Widford. Surrounding Essex commuter towns (Brentwood, Billericay, Braintree) also access Chelmsford's specialist services.
Local Healthcare Services
Broomfield Hospital, operated by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSE), is the main district general hospital for Chelmsford, located north of the city on Court Road. Broomfield has a full A&E, specialist services, and major trauma capability. The MSE group also covers Basildon University Hospital and Southend University Hospital. NHS Mid and South Essex ICB oversees pharmacy commissioning in Chelmsford. The city has good pharmacy provision including multiples (Boots, Lloyds, Well Pharmacy) and independents. Chelmsford's relatively affluent demographic drives demand for private pharmacy services including travel health, weight management, and aesthetic treatments. Local GP practices are clustered across the city with NHS 111 providing out-of-hours support. The city has lower-than-national-average rates of some conditions due to its demographic mix, but pharmacies serve important roles in managing long-term conditions among older residents.
Emergency & Out-of-Hours Services
For urgent healthcare outside GP hours, Chelmsford residents should call NHS 111. Broomfield Hospital A&E on Court Road is the main emergency department, accessible by car (A130) or local bus. An Urgent Treatment Centre operates at Broomfield for less serious urgent conditions. The Chelmer Valley area north of the city requires navigation via the A130 to reach the hospital. Chelmsford city centre pharmacies are well-served on weekends with multiple options typically open on Saturdays and at least one or two on Sundays. For prescription emergencies, NHS 111 can arrange emergency supply. Essex and Herts Air Ambulance is the charity helicopter service operating in the county. The city's rail connections mean residents can also access London specialist hospitals relatively quickly when needed.
Getting to Pharmacies in Chelmsford
Chelmsford railway station is one of the busiest in Essex, with Great Eastern Main Line services to London Liverpool Street (35-40 minutes), Ipswich, and Norwich. Chelmsford is on the A12 dual carriageway linking London to Ipswich and beyond, with the A130 connecting south to the A127 Southend Arterio. The city centre is pedestrianised in parts, making it walkable. Local First Essex bus services connect surrounding towns and villages. Major car parks serve the retail core. Pharmacy provision is good in the city centre, Moulsham Street area, and Springfield (north of the city). The Meadows and High Chelmer shopping centres have multiple pharmacies with convenient access. Chelmsford's compact size means most residents live within reasonable walking or cycling distance of a pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the main hospital for Chelmsford?
Broomfield Hospital on Court Road, operated by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, is the main hospital for Chelmsford with a full A&E and range of specialist services. It is located north of the city centre, approximately 2 miles from the rail station. For urgent but non-emergency conditions, use Broomfield's Urgent Treatment Centre or call NHS 111 to avoid unnecessary A&E attendance.
Can I get a private prescription dispensed at Chelmsford pharmacies?
Yes - all Chelmsford pharmacies can dispense private prescriptions. Private prescription charges vary between pharmacies as there is no fixed tariff (unlike NHS prescriptions). Private prescriptions are commonly used for medications not available on the NHS, quicker access to treatments, and for those who prefer private GP services. Weight loss medications (like GLP-1 agonists), erectile dysfunction treatments, and some contraceptives are commonly dispensed privately. Ring ahead for pricing as it can vary significantly.
Do Chelmsford pharmacies offer travel health vaccinations?
Several Chelmsford pharmacies offer travel health consultations and vaccinations for destinations requiring protection against typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, and other travel-related conditions. Some provide yellow fever vaccination (requiring specialist registration). Book well in advance for travel vaccinations - the NHS recommends at least 6-8 weeks before departure. Private travel clinics and GP surgeries also offer travel health services in Chelmsford.
Are there pharmacies near Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford?
Yes - Anglia Ruskin University's Chelmsford campus is in the city centre near the train station, within easy walking distance of several pharmacies. University students can register with local GP practices and use NHS pharmacies for prescriptions. The university health centre may provide some pharmacy referrals. For students from outside Essex, all NHS prescriptions from any UK GP can be dispensed at Chelmsford pharmacies.
What hours do Chelmsford pharmacies typically operate?
Most Chelmsford town centre pharmacies are open Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, with limited Sunday opening. Supermarket pharmacies (Tesco, Boots in Meadows) typically have extended hours. Some pharmacies open at 8am or earlier for commuters catching early trains to London. NHS 111 can confirm which pharmacies are currently open outside standard hours.
Village Pharmacy Travel, Private and ear microsuction Clinic
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6:30pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
Boots Pharmacy Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm
- β Sat: 9am-8pm
- β Sun: 10:30am-4pm
Boots Pharmacy Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- β Sat: 9am-5pm
- β Sun: Closed
Boots Pharmacy Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- β Sat: 9am-4pm
- β Sun: Closed
Boreham Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 8:30am-1pm,2-6:30pm
- β Sat: Closed
- β Sun: Closed
Brook Hill Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 8am-6:30pm
- β Sat: 8am-12pm
- β Sun: Closed
Day Lewis Pharmacy Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
Galleywood Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
Rivermead Pharmacy + Travel & Ear Clinic
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6:30pm
- β Sat: Closed
- β Sun: Closed
Shadforth Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,2-6pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
Shantys Chemist
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6:30pm
- β Sat: 9:30am-12pm
- β Sun: Closed
Tesco Pharmacy Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm
- β Sat: 8am-8pm
- β Sun: 11am-5pm
Tesco Pharmacy Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm
- β Sat: 9am-9pm
- β Sun: 10am-4pm
The Govani Chemist Molend Ltd
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- β Sat: 9am-5pm
- β Sun: 10am-12pm
Village Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,2-6:30pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
Writtle Road Pharmacy + Travel & Ear Clinic
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6:30pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
Boots Pharmacy Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6pm
- β Sat: 8:30am-5pm
- β Sun: Closed
Allied Pharmacy - South Woodham Ferrers
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- β Sat: Closed
- β Sun: Closed
Apple Tree Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- β Sat: Closed
- β Sun: Closed
Boots Pharmacy Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- β Sat: 9am-3pm
- β Sun: Closed
Colecross Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
Boots Chelmsford
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4:30pm
- β Sat: 9:30am-4:30pm
- β Sun: 10:30am-4:30pm
Melbourne Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,2-6:30pm
- β Sat: 9am-12:30pm
- β Sun: Closed
Morrisons Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm
- β Sat: 9am-7pm
- β Sun: 10am-4pm
Springfield Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,2-6:30pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
The Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6:30pm
- β Sat: 9am-1pm
- β Sun: Closed
The Pillbox Pharmacy
π Contact
π Opening Hours
- β Mon-Fri: 9am-6:30pm
- β Sat: 9am-12pm
- β Sun: Closed
