More than one in three Somerset pharmacies do not have any private consultation rooms, making it harder for patients to discretely raise health issues.
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has been encouraging Somerset residents to use their pharmacies to treat a wide range of conditions, in a bid to relieve pressure off GP surgeries.
Research conducted by Healthwatch Somerset, the county's independent health watchdog, found that pharmacies were "widely valued and trusted", with more than three-quarters (76.1 per cent) of residents consulting their local pharmacist over a health issue.
However, the report identified that a shortage of private consultation rooms was inhibiting people from speaking up about their health - which could prevent much-needed treatment from being provided.
More than 200 people responded to Healthwatch Somerset's survey, either online or through in-person sessions, between May and October 2025.
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A spokesperson for Healthwatch Somerset said: "Over a third of respondents (35.71 per cent) reported that there was no private space available to speak with a pharmacist.
"While respondents acknowledged that similar issues could arise in GP reception areas, privacy remains an important consideration for pharmacy-based consultations.
"When conversations take place in front of others, patients may withhold important details, ask fewer questions, or avoid seeking advice altogether, which can affect the safety and quality of care they receive."
Around nine per cent of respondents specifically said they found it "embarrassing or uncomfortable" to speak about their medical conditions in front of other people.
One resident, whose name has not been published, said: "I don’t like speaking in front of people about my personal medical conditions; all pharmacies should have a private area for consultations."
The spokesperson for Healthwatch Somerset added: "Having a confidential space in a pharmacy is essential so patients can speak openly and honestly about their health without fear of being overheard or judged.
"Privacy helps build trust between patients and pharmacists, supports dignity and respect, and ensures that sensitive health concerns can be discussed sensitively and accurately, with appropriate emphasis on confidentiality."
The report also identified that nearly two-thirds (65.6 per cent) of respondents were unaware of the government's 'pharmacy first' - although most of these respondent knew they could seek advice and treatment for a range of minor injuries or conditions at their pharmacy.
Healthwatch Somerset had made the following recommendations regarding patient privacy:
- Promote the use of private consultation rooms wherever possible
- Make people aware that they can ask for a private conversation.
- Explore small environment changes (signage, staff prompts) to reduce
embarrassment and discomfort
A spokesperson for the Healthwatch Somerset advisory board said: "This report reflects extensive engagement with local communities through surveys, outreach visits and conversations with residents, carers and pharmacy teams, ensuring that a wide range of voices have been heard.
"The report highlights that many residents value the support they receive from their local pharmacist and feel comfortable seeking advice and treatment closer to home."
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