The Pharmacy First scheme is an NHS initiative designed to offer professional healthcare advice and, treatment for seven common illnesses through your local pharmacy. Patients can now see a pharmacist first and do not need a GP appointment or a prescription to get advice and treatment for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles or an uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women. It’s easy, you can just walk in! You may also be referred by an NHS provider, like NHS 111, or your GP practice.

• Treatment may be an over-the-counter medicine or prescription medication, depending on the clinical needs of the patient.
• No appointment is needed.
• Private consultation rooms are available for confidential discussions.

How Pharmacy First can help you

Pharmacy First provides easy access to prompt advice and treatment including prescription medicines, where appropriate, for seven common conditions. The common conditions covered are:

• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Infected insect bite
• Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

1. Support with minor ailments

Pharmacists can offer advice and over-the-counter medication to help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries. You can see them for help with typical Winter ailments such as coughs, colds and the flu, as well as day to day issues, such as aches, pains, skin rashes and cystitis. Many pharmacists can also help with access to the morning after pill, pregnancy tests, and needle exchange services.

You don’t need to make an appointment to see a pharmacist and they will let you know if you need to see a doctor.

2. Help with your medication

If you have a question about medicine you’ve been prescribed or that you’ve bought over the counter, speak to your pharmacist. They are experts in how to use medicines safely.

People starting a new medicine to treat a long-term condition may be able to seek extra help from their local pharmacist through the New Medicine Service (NMS). This free scheme offers support over several weeks when you try a medicine for the first time. The NMS is only available for those taking certain medicines. Visit NHS Choices for more information.

If you’re taking lots of different medicines, you may be able to have a Medicines Use Review (MUR) with your pharmacist. This will help you work out when you should be taking your medication and discuss any questions or side effects. An MUR is a free service conducted in a private consultation room in the pharmacy and a written record will be given to you and your GP.

3. Repeat prescriptions

Save yourself a trip to your GP by asking your pharmacist to manage your repeat prescriptions for you. If you take medication on a regular basis and your condition is stable, your GP may be able to offer a long-term repeat prescription so that your pharmacist can supply your medicine at regular intervals. In the event that you experience problems with your medicine, tell your pharmacist and they can consult your GP.

Speak to your doctor to find out what is possible for your medication.  

4. Help to live a healthy life

As well as helping you tackle ailments when they happen, pharmacists can also help you to have a healthy lifestyle. Rather than visiting your GP, go to your local pharmacy for advice on how to keep your family well. You can talk to them about how to eat healthily, lose weight, and the types of exercise you could be doing.

Pharmacists can also help you to stop smoking. They offer nicotine replacements, such as gum, patches or other medicines, as well as regular check-ins to help you stay motivated.