Pharmacy First: How to Get Treated for Common Conditions Without Seeing a GP

Pharmacy First is an NHS-funded scheme that allows community pharmacists to assess and treat patients for certain common conditions. Instead of booking a GP appointment, waiting days or weeks, and then collecting a prescription, you can go straight to your pharmacy.

Your pharmacist will carry out a clinical assessment, ask about your symptoms, and either provide treatment directly or refer you to a GP if needed. The consultation is free, and any NHS-supplied medication is provided at no extra cost.

It is designed to free up GP appointments for more complex cases while making sure patients with straightforward conditions get treated quickly and conveniently.

Under the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can assess and treat the following seven conditions:

Sinusitis: Blocked or painful sinuses lasting more than 10 days, or getting worse after an initial improvement. Your pharmacist can provide appropriate treatment, including antibiotics where clinically suitable.

Sore Throat: Persistent or severe sore throats that may need more than over-the-counter remedies. Your pharmacist can assess severity, carry out a clinical scoring to determine the best course of action, and supply treatment.

Earache: Pain in one or both ears, particularly in adults. Your pharmacist can examine the symptoms, rule out anything more serious, and provide pain relief or further treatment.

Infected Insect Bites: Bites that have become red, swollen, warm, or are producing discharge. Your pharmacist can assess the level of infection and provide suitable treatment, including antibiotics if necessary.

Impetigo: A common and contagious skin infection that causes sores or blisters, usually around the nose and mouth. Your pharmacist can diagnose this and provide appropriate topical or oral treatment.

Shingles: A painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Early treatment is important, and your pharmacist can prescribe antiviral medication if you present within 72 hours of the rash appearing.

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women: Symptoms like burning when passing urine, frequent urges, and lower abdominal discomfort. Your pharmacist can assess and supply antibiotics where appropriate.

Using Pharmacy First is straightforward. Here is what to expect:

Walk into a participating pharmacy during opening hours. No appointment is needed.

Let the counter staff know you would like a Pharmacy First consultation. You will be seen by a qualified pharmacist, usually in a private consultation room.

The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and any relevant medical history. They may carry out a brief examination depending on the condition.

Based on the assessment, the pharmacist will either provide treatment directly, recommend an over-the-counter product, or refer you to a GP if the condition falls outside the scope of the service.

The whole process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

At Rank Pharmacy, we see Pharmacy First patients throughout the day. It is one of the busiest and most valued services we offer.

There are several practical reasons to consider your pharmacy first:

Speed: You can often be seen the same day, without needing to wait for an available GP slot.

Convenience: Most pharmacies are open longer hours than GP surgeries, including evenings and weekends.

Accessibility: No need to phone at 8am and hope for a cancellation. Just walk in.

Privacy: Consultations take place in a private room, and your pharmacist is bound by the same confidentiality standards as any NHS clinician.

Cost: The service is free on the NHS, and any medication supplied under the scheme is provided at no charge.

For many straightforward conditions, there is simply no clinical need to see a GP. Your pharmacist is trained to handle these cases safely and effectively, and to refer you on if anything more complex is going on.

Pharmacy First is designed for specific, common conditions. It is not a replacement for your GP for everything.

You should still see your GP if you have symptoms that have lasted a long time or are getting worse, any condition not listed under the scheme, a need for ongoing medication management, or concerns about a more serious underlying issue.

Your pharmacist will always tell you if they think your symptoms need further investigation. The service includes a clear referral pathway to your GP, so nothing falls through the gaps.

It is also worth noting that Pharmacy First does not cover children for all conditions. Some age restrictions apply depending on the specific illness, so it is always worth asking when you visit.

At Rank Pharmacy, we are fully set up to deliver the Pharmacy First service. Our pharmacists have completed the required clinical training and are experienced in assessing and treating all seven conditions covered by the scheme.

We see patients for Pharmacy First consultations throughout our opening hours, and you do not need to book ahead. Simply walk in and let our team know what you need.

Beyond Pharmacy First, we also offer a range of other NHS services, including blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations, stop smoking support, and the New Medicine Service. If you are not sure whether your condition falls under Pharmacy First, just ask. We are always happy to point you in the right direction.