As qualified healthcare professionals, Community Pharmacists can give offer you advice on minor illnesses such as;
- coughs
- colds
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
- hay fever
Some pharmacists also offer a service called Pharmacy First.
The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the UK Government and NHS England on 31 January 2024 to give patients quick and accessible care and to ease pressure on GP services.
Patients can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
The 7 common symptoms Pharmacy First can treat;
- Acute Otitis Media (middle ear infections) for people aged 1-17 years old.
- Impetigo for people aged 1 year and over
- Infected insect bites for people aged 1 year and over
- Shingles for people aged 18 years and over
- Sinusitis for people aged 12 years and over
- Sore throat for people aged 5 years and over
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections for Women ages 16-64 years old
You can get treatment for these conditions by booking online, or walking into a participating pharmacy. GP surgeries, NHS 111 and providers of emergency care will also be able to direct patients to pharmacies, that offer the service, if contacted.
*Distance selling pharmacies will not complete consultations for acute otits media (earache).
For more information about this service visit NHS England; Pharmacy First
Pharmacists can also inform you of what medicine you can buy without a prescription.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private consultation room. This is so that you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.