What is NHS Pharmacy First?
NHS Pharmacy First is a free service launched across England that allows you to visit your local community pharmacy for expert clinical advice and treatment for 7 common health conditions — without needing a GP appointment.
This service helps reduce pressure on GP surgeries and emergency services while providing you with faster access to healthcare advice and treatment from qualified pharmacists. Pharmacy teams can now supply prescription-only medications, including antibiotics when clinically appropriate, for the covered conditions.
The service is designed to treat minor illnesses quickly and efficiently, allowing GPs to focus on more complex health needs while ensuring you still get the expert care you need.
Conditions Covered by Pharmacy First
NHS Pharmacy First can provide treatment for 7 common health conditions:
Earache
Age 1-17 years
Impetigo
Age 1+ years
Infected Insect Bite
Age 1+ years
Shingles
Age 18+ years
Sinusitis
Age 12+ years
Sore Throat
Age 5+ years
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Women aged 16-64 years
Important Note
Age restrictions apply to each condition. Pharmacists will assess whether the service is appropriate for you or your child based on symptoms and medical history.
How Does It Work?
Visit Your Local Pharmacy
Walk into any participating pharmacy displaying the Pharmacy First logo. No appointment is typically needed, though some pharmacies may ask you to wait during busy periods or allow booking ahead.
Private Consultation
Speak to a pharmacist in a private consultation room. They'll ask about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications to assess your condition safely and appropriately.
Get Treatment
The pharmacist can provide advice, sell you over-the-counter medicines, or supply NHS prescriptions (including antibiotics if needed) directly, all without you needing to see a GP.
Follow-Up Care
If the pharmacist believes you need further medical attention, they'll refer you to your GP, an urgent care service, or emergency services as appropriate. Your pharmacy consultation is added to your medical records.
Benefits of Using Pharmacy First
Faster Access
No need to wait for a GP appointment. Visit your pharmacy during their extended opening hours, including evenings and weekends.
Expert Advice
Pharmacists are medicines experts with years of training. They can provide specialist advice and prescribe when clinically appropriate.
More Convenient
Pharmacies are often located on high streets and in supermarkets, making them easily accessible without travel to a GP surgery.
Completely Free
The service is free on the NHS. You'll only pay standard prescription charges if you normally pay for prescriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pharmacy First free?
Yes, NHS Pharmacy First is completely free for all NHS patients in England. You don't need to pay for the consultation or any prescription medication provided through the service, unless you normally pay for NHS prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
Most pharmacies offer Pharmacy First on a walk-in basis without an appointment. However, during busy periods, you may need to wait. Some pharmacies allow you to book ahead - check with your local pharmacy for their process.
What conditions are covered?
NHS Pharmacy First covers 7 common conditions: earache (ages 1-17), impetigo (ages 1+), infected insect bites (ages 1+), shingles (ages 18+), sinusitis (ages 12+), sore throat (ages 5+), and uncomplicated UTIs in women (ages 16-64).
Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics?
Yes, pharmacists providing the Pharmacy First service are specially trained and can prescribe antibiotics and other prescription medications for the covered conditions when clinically appropriate.
Do all pharmacies offer this service?
Not all pharmacies offer NHS Pharmacy First. Use our pharmacy finder to search for pharmacies offering this service in your area. Look for pharmacies with the "Pharmacy First" badge.
What if my condition isn't covered?
If your condition isn't one of the 7 covered by Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can still provide advice and recommend over-the-counter treatments. If needed, they'll advise you to contact your GP or visit an urgent care service.
Can I use Pharmacy First for my children?
Yes, Pharmacy First covers children for certain conditions: earache (ages 1-17), impetigo (ages 1+), infected insect bites (ages 1+), sinusitis (ages 12+), and sore throat (ages 5+). Parents or guardians should accompany children.
Is this available in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
This page describes the NHS Pharmacy First service in England. Scotland has the Pharmacy First Scotland service with different covered conditions. Wales operates the Common Ailments Scheme. Northern Ireland has the Minor Ailment Service. Check with your local pharmacy for services available in your area.
Find a Pharmacy First Service Near You
Search for pharmacies offering NHS Pharmacy First in your area. Get treatment without the wait.
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