Pharmacy First

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Patients are now able to visit their local pharmacy for help with seven minor illnesses, which would previously have required a GP appointment. Nearly all pharmacies will provide this service and are able to prescribe NHS medications as well as giving advice on these conditions. Both the Government and the NHS have backed this new service called ‘Pharmacy First’.

The seven minor illnesses include:

  • Sinusitis (for children and adults aged 12 and over)
  • Sore Throat (for children and adults aged 5 and over)
  • Earache (for children aged 1 to 17)
  • Infected Insect Bite (for children and adults aged 1 and over)
  • Impetigo (for children and adults aged 1 and over)
  • Shingles (for adults aged 18 and over)
  • Uncomplicated UTI’s (in women aged 16 to 64)

If you are experiencing any symptoms that relate to the above seven conditions, you can now walk into a pharmacy and be offered a consultation with the pharmacist. They will then provide you with advice and where necessary, will offer you NHS medications (prescription charges will apply if you normally pay for your medication). Should the pharmacist be unable to assist you, they will the redirect you to your GP or A&E as appropriate.

Pharmacy Frist is will enable you quicker and easier care by being able to bypass the rush to get an appointment when the GP surgery opens. If you have any questions about the service then please speak to your local pharmacy. More information can also be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/?wt.mc_id=pharmacyfirst_General_Exact&wt.tsrc=ppc&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwe_h-Z2iigMVT5RQBh0N0TwTEAAYASAAEgLyXPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds