All local pharmacies are offering the Pharmacy First service (or the similar Minor Ailments Service).

Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns. Community pharmacies can offer treatment and when appropriate, some prescription medicine, for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care. 

How it works

Simply walk into your local pharmacist and ask for some advice.

The treatment for most common conditions is about doing the right things for yourself. Your local pharmacist can now offer treatment and provide some prescription medicine for seven conditions, if appropriate, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

Also, remember that many pharmacies are open at weekends and evenings.

Types of conditions a pharmacist can help with

• Sinusitis (for those aged 12 years and over)
• Sore throat (for those aged 5 years and over)
• Earache (for those aged between 1 and 17 years old)
• Infected insect bite (for those aged 1 year and over)
• Impetigo (for those aged 1 year and over)
• Shingles (for those aged over 18 years old
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) (for women aged 16-64)

Community pharmacy teams are highly-skilled, qualified health professionals who have the appropriate clinical training to give people the health advice they need. Patients don't need an appointment and private consultation rooms are available. Pharmacy teams can also signpost to other relevant local services where necessary. 

Pharmacists have always helped patients, families and carers in their communities to stay healthy and are well-placed to offer treatment for health conditions. By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.

The new expanded community pharmacy service, which also includes initiating oral contraception without the need to see a GP, is also providing more blood pressure check services and is part of the NHS’ plans to recover and improve access to primary care services. It aims to free up to 10 million GP appointments a year once fully implemented, making it quicker and easier for you to access healthcare in our local community and give you more choice in where and how you access care.  

After you have had a consultation with the pharmacy, they will send the details through to us on the same day or on the following working day, so that the information is included in your medical record.  

Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse - think Pharmacy First and get seen by your local pharmacy team. More information is available here.