Pharmacy First

NHS Pharmacy First Service | Treatment Without a GP Appointment | Allied Pharmacies

The NHS Pharmacy First service allows you to get expert assessment and treatment for seven common health conditions directly from your pharmacist, without the need to see a GP. At Allied Pharmacies, our trained pharmacists can diagnose your condition, provide prescription-strength medication where appropriate, and offer professional health advice — all in a single, convenient visit. This service is free, fast, and available to everyone registered with a GP in England.

What Is the Pharmacy First Service?

Pharmacy First is an NHS initiative launched to improve access to healthcare and reduce pressure on GP surgeries and accident and emergency departments. Under this service, community pharmacists are authorised to assess, advise, and treat patients for a defined list of common conditions. Where clinically appropriate, pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicines directly, without the patient needing to visit their GP first. According to the NHS, Pharmacy First is designed to make it quicker and easier for patients to get the treatment they need for minor health conditions.

What Conditions Are Covered by Pharmacy First?

The Pharmacy First service covers seven common conditions that can be effectively assessed and treated by a pharmacist:

• Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses causing facial pain, congestion, and discharge
• Sore throat: Pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat, often caused by viral or bacterial infection
• Earache: Pain in the ear, which may be caused by infection or inflammation
• Infected insect bites: Bites that have become red, swollen, painful, or filled with pus
• Impetigo: A contagious bacterial skin infection causing sores and blisters
• Shingles: A painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women: Infections causing pain, burning, or frequent urination

If your condition falls outside this list or your pharmacist believes you need further investigation, they will refer you to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

How Does Pharmacy First Work?

Using the Pharmacy First service at Allied Pharmacies is simple:

• Walk in: Visit your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch — no appointment is needed
• Describe your symptoms: Speak to our pharmacist about what you are experiencing
• Clinical assessment: The pharmacist will assess your symptoms, ask relevant questions about your medical history, and examine you if necessary
• Treatment: If appropriate, the pharmacist will supply prescription-strength medication directly, along with clear instructions on how to take it
• Referral if needed: If your condition requires further investigation or treatment beyond the scope of the service, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP or advise you on next steps

The entire process typically takes just 10 to 15 minutes, and you leave with the treatment you need right away.

Benefits of Using Pharmacy First

The Pharmacy First service offers significant advantages over traditional routes to treatment:

• No waiting for a GP appointment: Get assessed and treated on the same day you feel unwell
• Free of charge: The service is fully funded by the NHS at no cost to you
• Convenient access: Pharmacies are available on the high street with longer opening hours than most GP surgeries
• Prescription-strength medication: Pharmacists can supply antibiotics and other prescription medicines directly
• Reduces pressure on GPs and A&E: Helps free up GP appointments for patients with more complex needs
• Expert clinical assessment: Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of medicines

Who Can Use Pharmacy First?

The Pharmacy First service is available to anyone registered with a GP in England. There is no age restriction, although children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You do not need a referral from your GP — simply walk into any Allied Pharmacies branch offering the service. If you are visiting from another area, you can still use the service at any participating pharmacy, regardless of where your GP is located.

Pharmacy First and Your GP

When you use the Pharmacy First service, your pharmacist will record the consultation and share a summary with your GP practice. This ensures that your medical records remain up to date and your GP is aware of any treatment you have received. This joined-up approach means you always receive coordinated care, even when accessing treatment through your pharmacy rather than your surgery. The NHS encourages patients to visit their pharmacy first for common conditions, as it is often the fastest route to effective treatment.

What to Expect During Your Pharmacy First Consultation

When you visit Allied Pharmacies for a Pharmacy First consultation, you will be seen in a private consultation room to ensure your comfort and confidentiality. Your pharmacist will begin by asking about your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and whether you have tried any treatments already. They may also ask about your medical history, any allergies, and any medications you are currently taking to ensure that any treatment prescribed is safe and appropriate for you.

Depending on your condition, your pharmacist may need to carry out a brief physical examination. For example, if you present with a sore throat, the pharmacist may use a scoring system to determine whether antibiotics are likely to be beneficial. For suspected UTIs, you may be asked to provide a urine sample for testing. All examinations are carried out professionally and with your full consent.

If the pharmacist determines that your condition can be managed under Pharmacy First, they will provide you with the appropriate treatment and give you clear instructions on how to use it. They will also explain what to look out for and when to seek further medical help if your symptoms do not improve. If your condition is more complex or falls outside the scope of Pharmacy First, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP with a detailed summary of their findings, ensuring a smooth handover of your care.

Pharmacy First is helping to transform the way patients access healthcare across England. By utilising the expertise of community pharmacists, the NHS is making it faster and more convenient for people to receive treatment for common conditions. Allied Pharmacies is proud to be at the forefront of this service, ensuring our communities can access high-quality care when they need it.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies for Pharmacy First?

Allied Pharmacies is proud to deliver the NHS Pharmacy First service across our branches. When you visit us, you benefit from:

• Experienced, NHS-accredited pharmacists trained in clinical assessment and prescribing
• Walk-in availability with no appointment needed
• Private consultation rooms for a comfortable, confidential experience
• Same-day treatment — leave with the medication you need
• Convenient locations with extended opening hours including evenings and weekends

Related Services

Allied Pharmacies offers a comprehensive range of NHS and private health services. You may also be interested in:

• Common Ailments Scheme — free advice and treatment for everyday health concerns
• Prescription Dispensing — convenient collection of your regular prescriptions
• New Medicine Service — support when starting a new long-term medication
• Ear Infection Treatment — fast treatment for ear infections
• Impetigo Treatment — effective treatment for bacterial skin infections

Visit Allied Pharmacies for Pharmacy First Today

Do not wait days for a GP appointment when you can get expert treatment today. Visit your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch and take advantage of the NHS Pharmacy First service. Our friendly, knowledgeable pharmacists are ready to help you feel better faster. Whether you have a sore throat, earache, UTI, or any of the other covered conditions, we are here to provide the care you need — quickly, conveniently, and at no cost to you.