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NHS Pharmacy First: what it is and how to use it
NHS Services

NHS Pharmacy First: what it is and how to use it

12 June 2026·4 min read

Skip the GP queue for seven common conditions

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that lets community pharmacists assess and, where appropriate, treat seven common conditions without a GP appointment. For many people, that means a private consultation and same-day medicine, at no cost.

Why it exists

The NHS launched Pharmacy First to take pressure off GP appointments for problems that pharmacists are already qualified to handle.

Your pharmacist follows the same clinical criteria a GP would use, so you get safe, evidence-based care without the wait.

Conditions covered

The current service covers seven common conditions:

  • Sinusitis (12+)
  • Sore throat (5+)
  • Earache (1 to 17)
  • Infected insect bites (1+)
  • Impetigo (1+)
  • Shingles (18+)
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (16 to 64)

How a typical appointment goes

  1. 1

    Walk in or book ahead

    We offer same-day slots and prefer that you book if you can.

  2. 2

    Private consultation

    Around 15 minutes in our consultation room, quick triage and questions about your symptoms.

  3. 3

    Treatment, if appropriate

    If you meet the clinical criteria, we issue medicine on the spot.

If you're not sure whether Pharmacy First is right for you, give us a ring or pop in, we'll point you in the right direction.