Pharmacy First is an NHS service that lets you get advice, treatment, and some prescription medicines directly from your local community pharmacy — without needing to see a GP first.
Highly trained pharmacists can assess certain common conditions and, if appropriate, provide treatment straight away.
What can Pharmacy First help with?
Pharmacists can treat the following conditions:
- Earache (children aged 1–17)
- Impetigo (skin infection)
- Infected insect bites
- Shingles (adults aged 18+)
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)
How do I access Pharmacy First?
You can use Pharmacy First in two ways:
- Visit or contact a participating pharmacy directly — no appointment or GP referral needed
- Be referred by your GP practice, NHS 111, urgent care, or A&E
The pharmacist will assess your symptoms in a private consultation room. If suitable, they can provide advice, treatment, or prescription medicine. If your symptoms need further care, they will refer you to the right service.
Why use Pharmacy First?
- Faster access to treatment
- No need to wait for a GP appointment
- Convenient care close to home
- Frees up GP appointments for those who need them most
After your consultation, the pharmacy will update your GP so your records stay up to date.
Need more information?
Ask at your local pharmacy or use the NHS Service Finder to check which pharmacies offer Pharmacy First.