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Get seen today!
NHS Pharmacy First
Get treatment for six common conditions from a pharmacist, without a GP appointment.
Clear advice and, where appropriate, same-day treatment
Simple next steps if you need GP or urgent care follow-up
What conditions can we help with?
Impetigo
A skin infection that’s easily spread, causing red sores and blisters.
Infected insect bites
Insect bites over 2 days old and showing signs of being infected.
Shingles
An infection in adults that leads to a painful rash developing on the skin.
Sinusitis
A bacterial infection in the sinuses that can lead to discomfort and feeling unwell.
Sore throat
A sore throat is usually caused by a virus like the common cold or flu.
Urinary tract infections (UTI’s)*
Urinary tract infections in women aged between 18-64.
How it works
Video Call
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Treatment Delivered
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Symptom Checker
Impetigo
Look for red sores and blisters that break and leave golden-brown, cornflake-like crusts that may itch, spread, or feel tender.
Infected insect bites
A suspected bite that became infected more than 2 days ago. Signs include redness, pain, swelling, warmth, spreading redness, and any weeping or pus.
Sinusitis
Symptoms can include cough, toothache, fever over 38°C, facial pressure, green or yellow discharge, loss of smell, and a blocked nose
Shingles
Adults 18+ with suspected shingles. Early tingling or pain and feeling unwell may be followed by a blotchy rash on one side of the body only, often on the chest, tummy, face, eyes, or genitals.
Sore Throat
Concerning signs include fever over 38°C, painful swallowing, red or swollen tonsils, and white patches on the tonsils.
Urinary tract infections
Females aged 18 to 64 needing to pee often, pain when peeing, urgency, or cloudy urine. Blood in urine or lower tummy pain needs GP review.
Frequently asked questions
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows pharmacists to assess and treat common health conditions without needing a GP appointment. Our pharmacists can provide advice, recommend treatments, and supply NHS-funded medications for eligible conditions directly in the pharmacy.
Pharmacy First covers six common conditions: sinusitis, sore throat, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment or referral if needed.
Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First service is completely free. Any medications supplied as part of your consultation are provided at no cost, regardless of whether you normally pay for prescriptions.
The service is available to all NHS patients registered with a GP in England. Some conditions have specific eligibility criteria – for example, the UTI service is currently available for women aged 16-64.
Yes, children can be treated under Pharmacy First for eligible conditions. For children under 16, a parent or guardian should accompany them to the consultation.
If your condition requires further investigation or treatment beyond the pharmacist's scope, our pharmacists will refer you to your GP or another appropriate healthcare service. Our pharmacists are trained to identify when a referral is necessary.
For the six conditions covered by Pharmacy First, you can visit your pharmacy instead of booking a GP appointment. This frees up GP appointments for more complex health issues while providing you with faster access to treatment.
No specific documentation is required. However, it's helpful to know your NHS number, current medications, and any allergies. If you have a patient summary from your GP, this can assist our pharmacist.
Yes, for certain conditions like sinusitis, sore throat, impetigo, shingles, and UTIs, pharmacists can supply NHS-funded antibiotics if clinically appropriate after assessment. Antibiotics are only provided when genuinely needed.
Free treatment for 6 common conditions without a GP appointment