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NHS Pharmacy First

Get expert advice and, where clinically appropriate, NHS treatment for seven common conditions — through a private remote consultation with our pharmacist, without needing a GP appointment.

Pharmacy First is a free NHS service that lets a pharmacist assess and manage a number of everyday conditions. Because we are a distance selling pharmacy, we provide this service remotely — by telephone or secure video — rather than in person.

The seven common conditions

Under the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathways, our pharmacist can help with:

  • Earache (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)
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64 years)

Treatment is only ever given where it is clinically appropriate

Following the NHS clinical pathways, our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and recommend the most suitable course of action. This might be self-care advice, an NHS-supplied treatment where appropriate, or a referral to your GP or another service. Treatment is never guaranteed and is always based on clinical need.

How it works

1

Get in touch

Contact us, or be referred by NHS 111, your GP or another pharmacy. Tell us your symptoms.

2

Remote consultation

Our pharmacist assesses you by phone or secure video, following the NHS clinical pathway.

3

Advice or treatment

You get self-care advice, treatment where appropriate delivered to your door, or an onward referral.

What's included

  • A clinical assessment by a qualified pharmacist
  • Self-care and safety-netting advice
  • NHS treatment where clinically appropriate, delivered to you
  • Referral to your GP or another service if needed

What's not included

  • Any guarantee of a specific medicine
  • Antibiotics on request — these are only supplied when clinically justified
  • Conditions or ages outside the NHS pathways
  • Emergencies — for these, call 999 or go to A&E

Frequently asked questions

Is Pharmacy First really free?
Yes. Pharmacy First is an NHS service and there is no charge for the consultation. If you normally pay NHS prescription charges, the usual charge may apply to any medicine supplied, unless you are exempt.
Do I need an appointment?
No formal appointment is needed. Get in touch with us and we'll arrange a remote consultation at a suitable time. You may also be referred to us by NHS 111 or your GP practice.
Will I definitely get medicine?
Not necessarily. Our pharmacist follows the NHS clinical pathways and will only recommend treatment where it is clinically appropriate. Sometimes the safest advice is self-care or a referral elsewhere.
How do I get any medicine if you're online only?
Where a treatment is supplied, we deliver it to your chosen address. As a distance selling pharmacy, everything is arranged remotely — you don't need to visit us.
What if my condition is more serious?
If your symptoms suggest something more serious, we'll refer you to the most appropriate service. For anything urgent or life-threatening, call 999 or go to A&E.

Need help with a common condition?

Nominate us as your NHS pharmacy, or message us to ask about a Pharmacy First consultation.

Nominate us Message the pharmacy