How your pharmacy can help
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice and treatment for many common health concerns.
In many cases, a pharmacist can help without you needing to make an appointment with a GP or nurse.
Pharmacy First
Many common conditions can now be assessed and treated by your local pharmacy through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
You can either:
- walk into a participating pharmacy
- be referred by your GP practice
- be referred by NHS 111
You do not need an appointment.
A pharmacist will assess you in a private consultation room and, where clinically appropriate, can supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics or antivirals.
Conditions covered by Pharmacy First
- Earache (children aged 1 to 17 years)
- Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16 to 64 years
When to speak to a pharmacist
Your local pharmacy can also help with:
- coughs and colds
- hay fever and allergies
- diarrhoea and constipation
- aches and pains
- minor skin conditions
- advice about medicines and side effects
- healthy living advice
Help with your medicines
Your pharmacist can help with:
- questions about your medication
- side effects
- repeat prescriptions
- medicine shortages
- advice on over-the-counter treatments
If your usual medication is out of stock, your pharmacist may also be able to advise on availability and alternative options.
When to contact the surgery
Please contact the surgery if:
- your symptoms are not improving
- your symptoms are getting worse
- you have been advised by a pharmacist to contact your GP
- you have concerns about a prescribed medication that your pharmacist cannot resolve
- you need help with a prescription query