Think Pharmacy First

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.

Click here to self-refer for an appointment with the pharmacist

What else can a pharmacy help me with?

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.