Pharmacy First

Get Help from your local Pharmacy

If you're feeling unwell with a common condition, your local pharmacy may be able to provide the care you need without the need for a GP appointment.

Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, community pharmacists can assess a range of common conditions, provide expert advice, and, where appropriate, supply NHS medicines.

Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can help you quickly and conveniently, often with no appointment required.

 

A Faster Way to Access Healthcare

Pharmacy First provides quick and easy access to healthcare advice and treatment for common conditions. By using your local pharmacy, you can often receive the help you need sooner while helping to keep GP appointments available for patients with more complex medical needs.

Before contacting the practice, consider whether your local pharmacist may be able to help.

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What Can Pharmacy First Help With?

Pharmacists can assess and treat the following common conditions:

👂 Earache

For children aged 1 to 17 years with symptoms of an ear infection.

🦠 Sore Throat

For adults and children aged 5 years and over with symptoms of a throat infection.

🤧 Sinusitis

For adults and children aged 12 years and over experiencing sinus pain, congestion, or pressure.

🐝 Infected Insect Bites

For adults and children aged 1 year and over with symptoms of an infected insect bite.

🌡️ Impetigo

A common skin infection causing red sores or crusty patches.

⚡ Shingles

For adults aged 18 years and over with a painful rash.

🚻 Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

For women aged 16 to 64 years experiencing symptoms of a simple UTI.

What Happens at the Pharmacy?

When you visit a participating pharmacy:

  • You will speak with a pharmacist in a private consultation room.
  • The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
  • They will advise on the best treatment for your condition.
  • If appropriate, medicines can be supplied without the need to see a GP.
  • A summary of the consultation can be shared with your GP practice to keep your medical record updated.

Do I Need an Appointment?

Most pharmacies offer Pharmacy First as a walk-in service, although some may offer booked appointments.

You can:

  • Visit a participating pharmacy directly.
  • Be referred by your GP practice.
  • Be referred through NHS 111.

Is the Service Free?

The consultation is free under the NHS.

If a medicine is supplied, standard NHS prescription charges may apply unless you are entitled to free prescriptions.

When Should I Contact the GP Practice Instead?

Please contact the practice if:

  • Your symptoms do not relate to one of the Pharmacy First conditions.
  • You do not meet the eligibility criteria listed above.
  • You have ongoing, recurrent, or more complex symptoms.
  • You have been advised by the pharmacist to seek further medical assessment.
  • You have concerns about a long-term health condition that may require GP review.

Find a Pharmacy Near You

You can find your nearest participating pharmacy using the NHS website:

 

Find a Pharmacy
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Page last reviewed: 13 August 2026
Page created: 13 August 2026