Pharmacy First
A new NHS service, Pharmacy First, is available at the Pharmacy from 31/01/24. The service allows our skilled pharmacists to clinically assess and, if appropriate, treat seven common conditions, without the need for an appointment or prescription.
These common conditions include:
- Earache
- Impetigo
- Infected insect bites and stings
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Sore Throat
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women
No appointment is necessary, making it a convenient way to address minor health concerns without the need for a GP visit.
As it is an NHS service, the consultation is free of charge for everyone. If a medication is supplied and you are exempt from paying prescription charges, then the medication will be free too however If you pay for your prescriptions, it will be the standard prescription charge of £9.65
Pharmacy First Services
Anyone who is registered with a GP in England and has a valid NHS number can use Pharmacy First.
Pharmacy First can treat a range of minor ailments, such as:
- Earache (children aged 1-17 years old)
- Impetigo (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites and stings (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
- Sinusitis (adults and children over 12 years old)
- Sore Throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)
If you have a minor ailment, you can come to our pharmacy and ask for a consultation. You will need to provide your name, date of birth and NHS number. The pharmacist will ask you some questions about your symptoms, medical history and any other medicines you are taking.
They will then assess your condition and advise you on the best course of action. This may include:
- Giving you self-care advice and tips on how to manage your condition at home.
- Supplying you with a medicine that can treat your condition.
- Referring you to another health service, such as your GP, a nurse, or a specialist, if your condition is more serious or needs further investigation.
Pharmacy First can help you access health care more quickly and conveniently, without having to wait for a GP appointment or go to a hospital. We are open 7 days a week, evening and weekends, therefore no need for an appointment, just walk in. The consultation will usually take around 10 minutes, but it may vary depending on your condition.
If you are seriously ill then go to A&E or phone 999 in an emergency if you are experiencing symptoms- such as
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Non-blanching rash
- Drowsiness
- Neck stiffness
- Sensitivity to light
- Facial nerve paralysis
- Confusion
- Raised respiratory rate/breathlessness
- Raised heart rate
- Drop in blood pressure
- Stridor (noisy or high-pitched sound with breathing)
- Mottled skin
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Signs of widespread infection
- Rapid or significant worsening of symptoms