Pharmacy First: What is it?

Pharmacy First is an NHS service in England that lets you get help for some common health problems directly from your local pharmacy, without needing to see a GP first.

The Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which has run since October 2019. The consultation service enables patients to be referred into community pharmacy for a minor illness or an urgent repeat medicine supply.

If you have one of seven common conditions—such as an earache, sore throat, or a urine infection—you can speak to a trained pharmacist. They will ask about your symptoms, give advice, and if it’s safe and appropriate, they can provide certain prescription medicines straight away.

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals. They know how to treat minor illnesses and how to spot warning signs that mean you need to see a doctor or another service. If they think you need more help, they will refer you on.

Most pharmacies have private consultation rooms, so you can talk in confidence. You don’t usually need an appointment.

Using Pharmacy First helps you get faster care, closer to home, and helps keep GP appointments free for people who need them most. After your visit, the pharmacist will let your GP know what care you received.

Watch this short video to get more information on Pharmacy First

The following table shows the 7 conditions pharmacists can manage across various age ranges.