Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First – Fast, Expert Help Without a GP Appointment

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is a new NHS service that enables pharmacists to assess and treat certain minor health conditions directly, without you needing a GP appointment or prescription. If you have symptoms of one of the eligible conditions, our reception team may refer you to a local pharmacy, or you can visit one directly yourself.

This service is free for patients and includes consultation, advice, and treatment (including NHS prescription medicine where needed) for qualifying conditions.

What conditions can be treated through Pharmacy First?

Pharmacists can now assess and treat the following seven common conditions:

• Earache (in children and young people aged 1–17)

• Impetigo (a contagious skin infection, in people aged 1 and over)

• Infected insect bites

• Shingles

• Sinusitis (symptoms lasting up to 10 days)

• Sore throat (in people aged 5 and over)

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16–64

Your pharmacist can:

• Examine the affected area or ask about your symptoms

• Give expert medical advice

• Offer over-the-counter remedies or prescribe NHS medications (free if you are normally exempt from prescription charges)

• Refer you to a GP or specialist if needed

Why might you be referred to a pharmacist instead of having a GP appointment?

We understand that many patients prefer to see their GP when feeling unwell. However, not all health problems require a GP—and in many cases, a pharmacist can offer the same high-quality care more quickly.

Here’s why you might be referred to a pharmacy instead:

• You’ll be seen faster – Pharmacies often offer same-day advice and treatment, with no need to wait for a GP appointment.

• No appointment necessary – Many pharmacies offer walk-in consultations during extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Pharmacists are trusted professionals – All pharmacists are trained to assess symptoms and provide clinical advice. Many now have extra training to prescribe medicines and make referrals.

• It frees up GP appointments – This allows doctors to spend more time with patients who need more complex care or have long-term health conditions.

• It’s still part of the NHS – You’ll receive the same quality of care as you would at the practice, and treatment is free if you’re eligible for free prescriptions.

How does this benefit me and the wider community?

By visiting your pharmacist first for minor conditions, you’re helping to:

• Get quicker treatment for yourself or your child
• Keep GP services available for those with more serious or ongoing needs
• Reduce pressure on the NHS, especially during busy seasons like winter
• Receive care closer to home, often outside normal GP hours

This is part of a wider NHS commitment to modern, patient-centred care that improves access and outcomes for all.

What if my condition is more serious than expected?

Pharmacists are trained to recognise when a condition needs further investigation or treatment. If during your consultation the pharmacist believes you need to see a GP or another healthcare provider, they will make a referral or advise you to contact the practice.

How do I access Pharmacy First?

You can:

• Be referred by our GP reception team or triage system
• Be signposted through NHS 111
• Walk in directly to a participating community pharmacy

Our team will help you decide the best route depending on your symptoms.

Still not sure? We’re here to help.

If you’re unsure whether a GP or pharmacist is the right person to see, speak to our reception team. They are trained to guide you to the most appropriate service. You can always call us or visit the surgery, and we’ll help make sure you’re seen in the right place.