You may not need a GP appointment for some common conditions.
If you have one of the conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First, you can visit a participating community pharmacy for assessment, advice and treatment. You do not usually need to book an appointment with a GP at Hand clinician first.
Community pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals and can assess your symptoms, provide advice and, where appropriate, recommend or supply treatment. If your symptoms need further assessment or treatment by a GP or another healthcare professional, the pharmacist will advise you.
Conditions that can be treated through Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First now covers the following conditions:
Existing Pharmacy First conditions
- Earache (acute otitis media) – children aged 1 to 17
- Impetigo – people aged 1 year and over
- Infected insect bites – people aged 1 year and over
- Shingles – adults aged 18 and over
- Sinusitis – people aged 12 and over
- Sore throat – people aged 5 and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) – women aged 16 to 64
New Pharmacy First conditions
- Low-frequency episodic migraine – adults
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) – children
- Acute otitis externa (outer ear infection) – adults
- Mild to moderate acne – young people and adults
- Mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies
Not every pharmacy will offer every Pharmacy First service, so check with your local pharmacy before visiting.
Pharmacists can also prescribe Oral Contraceptives and offer Emergency Contraception.
Find your local Pharmacy here.