Free NHS Pharmacy First
Free NHS Pharmacy First
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The Pharmacy First scheme is an NHS initiative that provides professional healthcare advice and treatment for seven common ailments directly through your local pharmacy.
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The NHS Pharmacy First Service allows you to receive treatment at your local Your Pharmacy without visiting your GP, enabling quicker access to necessary treatments.
What does the Pharmacy First service involve? Our pharmacy teams offer clinically appropriate advice and treatment for the following common health conditions.
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Earache (children aged 1-17 years)
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Impetigo (patients aged 1 year and older)
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Infected Insect Bite (patients aged 1 year and older)
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Shingles (patients aged 18 years and older)
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Sinusitis (patients aged 12 years and older)
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Sore Throat (patients aged 5 years and older)
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UTI (uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16-64 years)
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How Pharmacy First works -With Pharmacy First, you often don't need to book or wait for a GP appointment. Instead, visit your Pharmacy to quickly access the advice and treatment you need. Depending on your condition, you may receive prescription-strength treatments or over-the-counter remedies.
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How do I use the Pharmacy First service? - You can either book online or walk into your nearest Pharmacy. There’s no need to consult your GP first.
In some scenarios, if you contact NHS 111 by phone or online, or even after contacting 999, you might be directed to use the Pharmacy First service. Your GP might also recommend Pharmacy First if it’s the most suitable option for your healthcare needs.
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Who will I speak to? - When using this service, you'll consult with one of our qualified pharmacists or pharmacy teams. Our pharmacists are well-equipped to assess your symptoms and provide reliable advice and treatment. Every consultation is confidential and conducted in private rooms to ensure your privacy is maintained at all times.