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NHS service
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Pharmacy First Services
Get help from a pharmacist for common conditions without needing to see a GP first, where appropriate. We’ll assess your symptoms, talk through the best next step and advise on self-care, over-the-counter options or NHS treatment where clinically suitable.
NHS service
Pharmacist-led support
Private consultation space
Advice and treatment where suitable
How it works
We’ll guide you through a simple pharmacist-led assessment before advising on the safest next step.
Speak with the pharmacist
We’ll talk through your symptoms, medicines, and relevant medical history.
Get advice and treatment where suitable
You may receive self-care guidance, over-the-counter options, or NHS treatment where appropriate.
Follow next steps or referral guidance if needed
If Pharmacy First is not suitable, we’ll explain the safest next route for you.
Common conditions
What can Pharmacy First help with?
Support for common conditions, subject to pharmacist assessment and the relevant NHS clinical pathway.
12 years and over
Sinusitis
Tap to view what the pharmacist may ask and the next-step guidance.
5 years and over
Sore throat
Tap to view assessment guidance, support options, and referral notes.
1 year and over
Infected insect bites
Tap to view what support may include when the clinical pathway is suitable.
1 year and over
Impetigo
Tap to view how the pharmacist may assess symptoms and advise on next steps.
18 years and over
Shingles
Tap to view what the pharmacist may ask and when urgent follow-up may be needed.
Women aged 16 to 64
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
Tap to view eligibility guidance, likely questions, and referral notes.
Who it is for
Pharmacy First may be suitable for patients with symptoms linked to the listed common conditions. The pharmacist will check your age, symptoms, current medicines and relevant health information before confirming whether the service fits the NHS pathway.
If Pharmacy First is not suitable, we may signpost you to another NHS service, your GP, NHS 111 or urgent care, depending on your symptoms.
Details we may request
- Symptoms and how long they have been present
- Current medicines, including anything bought over the counter
- Any allergies or previous reactions to medicines
- Relevant medical history or recent treatment
- Prescription exemption evidence if applicable
Condition guidance
Condition guidance
Richer support guides for the Pharmacy First conditions we offer, subject to pharmacist assessment and the relevant NHS clinical pathway.
Usually age 12 years and over
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is swelling or inflammation of the sinuses, often after a cold or infection. It can cause pressure around the face, a blocked nose, and thick nasal discharge.
Usually for patients aged 12 years and over, subject to pharmacist assessment and the relevant NHS clinical pathway. Eligibility and treatment depend on symptoms, age, medical history, and clinical suitability.
Common symptoms
- Facial pain or pressure
- Blocked or runny nose
- Thick nasal discharge
- Reduced sense of smell
- Headache or pressure around the cheeks or forehead
How the pharmacist can help
The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long they have been present, your age, medical history, current medicines, and any red flag symptoms.
What support may include
- Self-care advice
- Suitable pharmacy options
- NHS treatment where clinically appropriate
- Referral or signposting if another service is needed
Self-care tips
- Rest and drink fluids
- Use simple pain relief if suitable
- Consider saline nasal rinses or steam-style comfort measures if suitable
- Avoid irritants such as smoke
Usually age 5 years and over
Sore throat
A sore throat is pain, irritation, or discomfort in the throat, often worse when swallowing. It is commonly caused by viral infections but can sometimes need clinical assessment.
Usually for patients aged 5 years and over, subject to pharmacist assessment and the relevant NHS clinical pathway. Eligibility and treatment depend on symptoms, age, medical history, and clinical suitability.
Common symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in the throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Redness at the back of the throat
- Swollen glands
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Hoarse voice
How the pharmacist can help
The pharmacist may ask about fever, cough, swollen glands, tonsil appearance, how long symptoms have been present, and whether there are any warning signs.
What support may include
- Self-care advice
- Advice on suitable symptom relief
- NHS treatment where clinically appropriate
- Referral or signposting if symptoms need further care
Self-care tips
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Rest your voice where possible
- Use simple pain relief if suitable
- Avoid smoking or irritants
- Try soothing warm drinks if helpful
Usually age 1 year and over
Infected insect bites
Insect bites or stings can sometimes become infected, especially if the area becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful, or warm.
Usually for patients aged 1 year and over, subject to pharmacist assessment and the relevant NHS clinical pathway. Eligibility and treatment depend on symptoms, age, medical history, and clinical suitability.
Common symptoms
- Increasing redness around the bite
- Swelling or warmth
- Pain or tenderness
- Skin that feels hot
- Discharge or signs of infection
- Symptoms getting worse after the initial bite or sting
How the pharmacist can help
The pharmacist will ask when the bite happened, how the area has changed, whether symptoms are spreading, and whether you have a fever or feel unwell.
What support may include
- Advice on cleaning and caring for the area
- Suitable pharmacy options
- NHS treatment where clinically appropriate
- Referral or signposting if the infection appears more serious
Self-care tips
- Avoid scratching
- Keep the area clean
- Use a cool compress if suitable
- Watch for spreading redness
- Seek advice if symptoms worsen
Usually age 1 year and over
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that can cause red sores or blisters, often with golden crusting. It can spread through close contact.
Usually for patients aged 1 year and over, subject to pharmacist assessment and the relevant NHS clinical pathway. Eligibility and treatment depend on symptoms, age, medical history, and clinical suitability.
Common symptoms
- Red sores or blisters
- Golden or honey-coloured crusting
- Itchy or sore skin
- Patches around the face, hands, or exposed skin
- Symptoms spreading to nearby areas
How the pharmacist can help
The pharmacist will ask about the appearance of the skin, where the patches are, whether they are spreading, and whether anyone else has similar symptoms.
What support may include
- Hygiene and self-care advice
- Advice on reducing spread
- NHS treatment where clinically appropriate
- Referral or signposting if symptoms are widespread or severe
Self-care tips
- Avoid touching or scratching the area
- Wash hands regularly
- Avoid sharing towels or face cloths
- Keep affected areas clean
- Follow pharmacist advice to reduce spread
Usually age 18 years and over
Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that usually causes a painful rash or blisters on one side of the body. It can be more serious in some people.
Usually for adults aged 18 years and over, subject to pharmacist assessment and the relevant NHS clinical pathway. Eligibility and treatment depend on symptoms, age, medical history, and clinical suitability.
Common symptoms
- Pain, tingling, or burning on one side of the body
- A rash or blisters in a band-like area
- Skin sensitivity
- Feeling tired or unwell
- Headache or fever in some cases
How the pharmacist can help
The pharmacist will ask when symptoms started, where the rash is, whether blisters are present, your age, medical history, and whether you are at higher risk.
What support may include
- Self-care advice
- Advice on protecting others where needed
- NHS treatment where clinically appropriate
- Referral or signposting if symptoms need urgent review
Self-care tips
- Keep the rash clean and dry
- Wear loose clothing
- Avoid scratching
- Avoid close contact with people at higher risk until advised
- Use simple pain relief if suitable
Women aged 16 to 64 years
UTIs in women
A urinary tract infection can cause discomfort when passing urine, needing to pass urine more often, or lower abdominal discomfort. Pharmacy First can support uncomplicated UTIs in eligible women.
Usually for women aged 16 to 64 years, subject to pharmacist assessment and the relevant NHS clinical pathway. Eligibility and treatment depend on symptoms, age, medical history, and clinical suitability.
Common symptoms
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Passing urine more often than usual
- Urgent need to pass urine
- Lower tummy discomfort
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
How the pharmacist can help
The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long they have been present, pregnancy status if relevant, medical history, current medicines, and whether there are signs of a more serious infection.
What support may include
- Self-care advice
- Advice on hydration and symptom monitoring
- NHS treatment where clinically appropriate
- Referral or signposting if symptoms suggest a complicated infection or another service is needed
Self-care tips
- Drink fluids as usual
- Avoid delaying urination
- Use simple pain relief if suitable
- Monitor symptoms closely
- Seek further advice if symptoms worsen
Need support?
Need help with a common condition?
Speak to the Five Ways Pharmacy team and we’ll guide you through the next step.
Questions
Pharmacy First FAQs
Do I need a GP appointment?
Not usually for the Pharmacy First consultation itself. You can speak to the pharmacy directly and the pharmacist will assess whether the service is suitable for your symptoms.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Pharmacy First enquiries are handled in confidence. You can share your details discreetly, and our pharmacy team will review your request privately.
Will I always get medicine?
No. The pharmacist may give self-care advice, recommend an over-the-counter option, or supply NHS treatment only if it is clinically appropriate under the service pathway.
What happens if Pharmacy First is not suitable?
We’ll explain the safest next step, which may include your GP, another NHS service, NHS 111 or urgent care.
Is this an NHS service?
Yes. Pharmacy First is an NHS service in England for eligible patients when symptoms fit one of the clinical pathways and the pharmacist confirms the service is appropriate.
Important guidance
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, use NHS 111, contact your GP, or call 999 in an emergency.