Pharmacy first

Are you suffering from a minor ailment?

If the answer is yes, visit your pharmacy first.

You don’t need to make an appointment to see your doctor or visit an emergency service if you’re suffering from many common conditions. You can get advice and treatment from your local pharmacist and in many cases treatment will be free.

Think pharmacy first

Pharmacy first minor ailments is a service being offered by community pharmacies. It means that you can get advice and NHS funded medicines for common, less serious illnesses from a community pharmacist, without having to make an appointment with your GP to obtain a prescription or visit a hospital.

If you don’t normally pay for NHS prescriptions, any medicines supplied to you under the pharmacy first scheme will be free. And if you do usually pay for your prescriptions, the cost of the medicine should be much less than the current prescription charge.

Your pharmacist is a qualified health care professional who can help with your health problems. Anything you discuss with your pharmacist will be confidential, and they will offer you a private space to talk about your symptoms.

What about babies and children?

Your pharmacist can provide treatment for babies and children for certain common conditions such as nappy rash, colic, teething, mouth ulcers and head lice (a full list of conditions is shown below).

Some medicines can only be given to younger children on prescription, and sometimes the pharmacist may need to see your child to make sure the right treatment or advice is given so you may be asked to bring the child in.

Can I go to the pharmacy?

Your pharmacist will offer you advice and appropriate treatment for the symptoms detailed below, with most pharmacies participating in the scheme to provide certain medicines at NHS expense.

If your pharmacy is not participating in this scheme, they will advise of the nearest participating pharmacy.

What should I do if my symptoms persist?

If your symptoms persist, you should seek further advice from your pharmacist or GP. Bring any medication you have been using with you.

If you have the following symptoms, go straight to your pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist: