Pharmacy First provides NHS advice and, when appropriate, treatment for seven common conditions without needing a GP appointment.
Sore throatEaracheInfected insect bitesImpetigoShinglesSinusitisUTI in women
What happens
A pharmacist checks symptoms, age and eligibility in a private consultation. They provide advice and may supply NHS treatment when clinically appropriate.
Call 111 for urgent advice or for symptoms that are getting rapidly worse. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion or a rash that does not fade when pressed.
This is general information based on the sources above. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111. How we source medical information
Where to get Pharmacy First
Finding branches that offer it…
What do you need help with?
Pick the closest match. These are the seven conditions pharmacists treat under the NHS Pharmacy First service. This is a guide to the right service, not a diagnosis.
NHS age rules differ by condition: sinusitis from 12, sore throat from 5, earache 1 to 17, insect bites and impetigo from 1, shingles from 18, urinary infection women 16 to 64. The pharmacist confirms this in store.
Bring your symptoms to any Allied Pharmacy. The pharmacist will check eligibility, give advice and, where appropriate, supply treatment. No GP appointment needed.
The consultation is free. If a prescription medicine is supplied, the usual NHS prescription charge applies per item unless you are exempt, so bring proof of exemption if you have it.
Walk-ins are available at most branches, subject to pharmacist availability. This is general information, not a diagnosis. Eligibility and age criteria apply. If you are worried, or symptoms do not improve, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. Call 111 if you need advice now, and 999 in an emergency.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if someone is confused, drowsy, has difficulty speaking or breathing, has chest pain, or has a rash that does not fade when pressed. Do not drive yourself to A&E.
For anything else on this list, call 111 for advice now.
With these symptoms or circumstances, this needs checking by a GP or NHS 111 rather than being treated at the pharmacy. Ask for an urgent GP appointment, or call 111.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if the person is confused, drowsy, has difficulty speaking, has new weakness in the face, an arm or a leg, has lost control of the bladder or bowel, or has a stiff neck with light hurting the eyes or a rash that does not fade when pressed.
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, this condition is treated at the pharmacy for people . A pharmacist can still see you, give advice and suggest what may help. For treatment, speak to your GP or call 111.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if the person has difficulty breathing or chest pain, is confused or drowsy, has sudden difficulty speaking, has new weakness in the face, an arm or a leg, has lost control of the bladder or bowel, has a stiff neck with light hurting the eyes, or has a rash that does not fade when pressed.
Allied Pharmacies