Pharmacy First FAQs
Pharmacy First NHS is designed to make getting treatment for common conditions quicker and easier – without the need to book a GP appointment. If you’re unsure how the service works or whether it’s right for you, this guide answers the most common questions.
What Is Pharmacy First NHS?
Pharmacy First NHS is an NHS-funded service that allows patients to receive advice, treatment and, in some cases, prescription-only medication directly from a trained pharmacist.
Instead of waiting to see a GP, you can visit your local participating pharmacy and be assessed safely and confidentially by an NHS clinician.
How Does Pharmacy First Work?
When you visit the pharmacy:
- A trained NHS pharmacist will ask you a few questions about your symptoms
- They will assess whether Pharmacy First is suitable for you
- You’ll receive expert advice and treatment where appropriate
- If needed, the pharmacist can supply NHS prescription-only medication
- If your condition requires further care, you’ll be referred to the right service
The aim is to ensure you get the right care, at the right time, without unnecessary delays.
Do I Need a GP Appointment?
No. One of the biggest benefits of Pharmacy First NHS is that no GP appointment is needed.
You can simply walk into your local pharmacy and ask to use the Pharmacy First service. This helps reduce pressure on GP surgeries while giving patients faster access to care.
Is Pharmacy First Safe and Confidential?
Yes. Pharmacy First NHS is a safe, confidential NHS service.
All consultations are carried out by trained pharmacists who follow strict NHS clinical guidelines. Your information is handled securely, just like it would be at a GP surgery.
What Conditions Can Pharmacy First Treat?
Pharmacy First NHS is suitable for a range of common, non-urgent conditions. These may include:
- Sore throats
- Earache
- Sinus infections
- Infected insect bites
- Skin infections
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Your pharmacist will always assess whether the service is appropriate for your symptoms.
What Happens If Pharmacy First Isn’t Suitable?
If your symptoms suggest you need further investigation or treatment, your pharmacist will advise you on the next steps. This may include:
- Seeing your GP
- Contacting NHS 111
- Being referred to another healthcare service
Your safety and wellbeing always come first.
Why Use Pharmacy First NHS?
Using Pharmacy First NHS means:
- Faster access to treatment
- No GP appointment required
- Expert care from NHS-trained pharmacists
- Convenient local healthcare
- NHS-funded advice and medication where appropriate
It’s a simple way to get treated quickly while keeping GP appointments free for more complex conditions.
Visit Your Local Pharmacy Today
If you’re feeling unwell and need quick advice or treatment, Pharmacy First NHS could help.
Visit your local participating pharmacy today and speak to one of our expert pharmacists about Pharmacy First NHS – fast, convenient NHS care, without the wait.
Book An Appointment At Your Local Travel Clinic
📍 Visit Cheltenham Travel Clinic
📞 Call to book now
🖥️ Book online
Our Locations:
Raylane Ltd, Millard & Bullock Chemist
Unit 2 Josiah House, Castle Street,
Coseley, Bilston WV14 9DD
Pharmacy First FAQs
Pharmacy First NHS is designed to make getting treatment for common conditions quicker and easier – without the need to book a GP appointment. If you’re unsure how the service works or whether it’s right for you, this guide answers the most common questions.
What Is Pharmacy First NHS?
Pharmacy First NHS is an NHS-funded service that allows patients to receive advice, treatment and, in some cases, prescription-only medication directly from a trained pharmacist.
Instead of waiting to see a GP, you can visit your local participating pharmacy and be assessed safely and confidentially by an NHS clinician.
How Does Pharmacy First Work?
When you visit the pharmacy:
- A trained NHS pharmacist will ask you a few questions about your symptoms
- They will assess whether Pharmacy First is suitable for you
- You’ll receive expert advice and treatment where appropriate
- If needed, the pharmacist can supply NHS prescription-only medication
- If your condition requires further care, you’ll be referred to the right service
The aim is to ensure you get the right care, at the right time, without unnecessary delays.
Do I Need a GP Appointment?
No. One of the biggest benefits of Pharmacy First NHS is that no GP appointment is needed.
You can simply walk into your local pharmacy and ask to use the Pharmacy First service. This helps reduce pressure on GP surgeries while giving patients faster access to care.
Is Pharmacy First Safe and Confidential?
Yes. Pharmacy First NHS is a safe, confidential NHS service.
All consultations are carried out by trained pharmacists who follow strict NHS clinical guidelines. Your information is handled securely, just like it would be at a GP surgery.
What Conditions Can Pharmacy First Treat?
Pharmacy First NHS is suitable for a range of common, non-urgent conditions. These may include:
- Sore throats
- Earache
- Sinus infections
- Infected insect bites
- Skin infections
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Your pharmacist will always assess whether the service is appropriate for your symptoms.
What Happens If Pharmacy First Isn’t Suitable?
If your symptoms suggest you need further investigation or treatment, your pharmacist will advise you on the next steps. This may include:
- Seeing your GP
- Contacting NHS 111
- Being referred to another healthcare service
Your safety and wellbeing always come first.
Why Use Pharmacy First NHS?
Using Pharmacy First NHS means:
- Faster access to treatment
- No GP appointment required
- Expert care from NHS-trained pharmacists
- Convenient local healthcare
- NHS-funded advice and medication where appropriate
It’s a simple way to get treated quickly while keeping GP appointments free for more complex conditions.
Visit Your Local Pharmacy Today
If you’re feeling unwell and need quick advice or treatment, Pharmacy First NHS could help.
Visit your local participating pharmacy today and speak to one of our expert pharmacists about Pharmacy First NHS – fast, convenient NHS care, without the wait.
Book An Appointment At Your Local Travel Clinic
📍 Visit Cheltenham Travel Clinic
📞 Call to book now
🖥️ Book online
Our Locations:
Raylane Ltd, Millard & Bullock Chemist
Unit 2 Josiah House, Castle Street,
Coseley, Bilston WV14 9DD
