Get treatment without seeing a GP
Your local pharmacy can help with more than you might think!
The NHS Pharmacy First service allows you to get advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions directly from your local pharmacy, without needing to see a GP first.
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess your symptoms, recommend treatment and, where appropriate, provide prescription-only medicines.
Why use Pharmacy First?
- Quick and convenient – Get help without waiting for a GP appointment.
- No GP referral needed – Visit or contact a participating pharmacy directly.
- Expert advice – Pharmacists are trained to assess and treat common conditions.
- Prescription medicines if needed – Your pharmacist can provide certain medicines when clinically appropriate.
- Private consultations – Many pharmacies have a private consultation room.
- Free NHS consultations – The Pharmacy First consultation is free, although normal NHS prescription charges may apply.
What conditions can pharmacists treat?
Pharmacy First currently covers seven common conditions:
| Condition | Eligible patients |
|---|---|
| Earache (middle ear infection) | Children aged 1–17 |
| Impetigo | Aged 1 and over |
| Infected insect bites | Aged 1 and over |
| Shingles | Aged 18 and over |
| Sinusitis | Aged 12 and over |
| Sore throat | Aged 5 and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) | Women aged 16–64 |
More conditions are being added
The NHS has announced plans to expand pharmacy prescribing services during autumn 2026 to include:
- Outer ear infections – Adults aged 18 and over
- Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) – Children aged 4–11
- Mild to moderate acne – Young people
- Migraines – Adults aged 18–64 with infrequent, episodic migraines
- Mild skin and soft tissue infections, and scabies
These additional services are being introduced and may not yet be available at every pharmacy. Eligibility criteria and availability will vary.
How do I use Pharmacy First?
Simply contact or visit a participating local pharmacy and explain your symptoms. The pharmacist will assess your condition and advise you on the most appropriate treatment.
If your symptoms need further investigation or treatment, the pharmacist can advise you on accessing another NHS service, including your GP practice.
Using Pharmacy First helps you get the right care sooner, while keeping GP appointments available for patients who need them most.
Page last reviewed: 22 October 2026