What Is Pharmacy First? NHS Minor Illness Treatment at Your Chemist
NHS Pharmacy First launched 31 January 2024
What is the Pharmacy First service?
NHS Pharmacy First is a service that allows community pharmacists in England to assess, advise, and prescribe treatments for seven minor conditions, without you needing to see a GP first. Launched on 31 January 2024, it means you can walk into your local pharmacy the same day and receive treatment, rather than waiting for a GP appointment.
Pharmacists deliver consultations privately (in a consultation room), and the service is entirely free on the NHS. Treatments prescribed under Pharmacy First are subject to the normal NHS prescription charge rules, so many patients, including those under 16, those over 60, and those with valid exemption certificates, pay nothing at all.
Which 7 conditions does Pharmacy First cover?
Pharmacists can assess and prescribe treatments for the following conditions under a Patient Group Direction (PGD):
- Sinusitis: adults and children aged 12 and over
- Sore throat: adults and children aged 5 and over
- Earache: children aged 1 to 17
- Infected insect bites: adults and children aged 1 and over
- Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection): adults and children aged 1 and over
- Shingles: adults aged 18 and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI): women aged 16 to 64
If your condition falls outside these categories, the pharmacist can still advise you and refer you to your GP or another service if appropriate.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is needed. You can walk into any participating pharmacy and ask to see the pharmacist about a Pharmacy First condition. Most consultations take place in a private consultation room, away from the dispensing counter. If the pharmacist is busy, you may be asked to wait or return at a specific time.
How to find a Pharmacy First pharmacy
The vast majority of NHS-contracted community pharmacies in England participate in the Pharmacy First service. To find one near you, search for an open pharmacy near you using Find a Pharmacy. It is worth calling the pharmacy ahead of your visit to confirm they currently offer Pharmacy First consultations, as capacity can vary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Pharmacy First for a child?
Yes, for several conditions. Sore throat is available for children aged 5 and over, earache for children aged 1 to 17, infected insect bites and impetigo for children aged 1 and over, and sinusitis for children aged 12 and over. Shingles and UTI treatment are adults-only services.
What if my pharmacy says they cannot help?
If a pharmacy is unable to see you under Pharmacy First — for example, due to capacity — try a nearby pharmacy or contact your GP surgery. For urgent out-of-hours situations, NHS 111 (phone: 111, free, 24 hours) can direct you to the most appropriate service.
Find an open pharmacy now
Use Find a Pharmacy to locate the nearest open pharmacy and check its opening hours before you travel.
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