Pharmacy First: how we can treat 7 conditions without a GP

Pharmacy First is one of the most useful, and least understood, NHS services in community pharmacy. It lets pharmacists assess, advise, and where appropriate prescribe for seven common conditions without you needing to see a GP.

The seven conditions are: sore throat, sinusitis, earache (in children aged 1 to 17), infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64.

How does it work in practice? You walk in or call, our team takes a brief description of the problem, and a pharmacist sees you in our private consulting room. If treatment is appropriate, we can supply medicine, including antibiotics, on the spot, all funded by the NHS.

It saves you a GP appointment and frees up doctor time for patients who really need it. A good result for everyone.