We are pleased to offer the Pharmacy First service, designed to help you see a healthcare professional quickly and conveniently for seven common health conditions.
What is Pharmacy First?
Instead of waiting for a GP appointment, you can now visit a participating local pharmacy for advice and treatment. Pharmacists are highly trained clinical experts who can now provide prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, if they are clinically necessary.
Which conditions are covered?
You can use this service if you or your child are suffering from:
- Earache (Aged 1 to 17 years)
- Sore throat (Aged 5 years and over)
- Sinusitis (Aged 12 years and over)
- Infected insect bites (Aged 1 year and over)
- Impetigo (Aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (Aged 18 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Women aged 16 to 64 years)
How do I use the service?
- Walk-in: Simply visit your local pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist about the Pharmacy First service.
- Referral: Our practice staff or NHS 111 may also refer you directly to a pharmacy.
Find a Pharmacy Near You
You can find your nearest participating pharmacy and check their opening hours using the official NHS Find a Pharmacy tool.
What happens during the consultation?
The pharmacist will see you in a private consultation room. They will discuss your symptoms and may perform a quick examination. If they determine that your condition requires medication, they can issue it on the spot.
If the pharmacist feels your condition is more serious or outside the scope of the service, they will refer you back to us or to another appropriate healthcare provider.
Does it cost anything?
The consultation is free. If you are prescribed medicine, the standard NHS prescription charge will apply unless you are normally exempt from paying for prescriptions.
Using Pharmacy First helps us ensure that GP appointments are available for those with the most complex medical needs. Thank you for supporting your local healthcare team.