What is Pharmacy First?
The Pharmacy First service enables patients to visit or be referred to a community pharmacy for a minor illness or an urgent repeat medicine supply.
Your local pharmacy provides expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions, without needing to see a GP. Pharmacists can assess your symptoms and, if needed, supply NHS medicines (including antibiotics where clinically appropriate). Prescription charges apply if you normally pay for NHS prescriptions.
The conditions that can be seen under Pharmacy First are:
- Ear infections
- Impetigo
- Infected insect bites
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women
If you contact the surgery, for a medical consultation, your request will be assessed by a clinician, and if your medical condition meets the criteria for Pharmacy First, an electronic referral will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice, where a pharmacist will assess and advise on your condition.
Any treatment provided by the pharmacy will be recorded and updated into your G.P health record.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.
For the latest official information about Pharmacy First, CLICK HERE: