Finding a Pharmacy

Your local community pharmacies are:

Pharmacy First Scheme

The Pharmacy First service is a new NHS scheme that gives you quicker access to expert advice and treatment for common health conditions, directly from your local pharmacy without needing to see a GP first.

It’s designed to make healthcare more convenient for you. Instead of waiting for an appointment, you can simply visit or contact your local pharmacy and speak with a highly trained healthcare professional. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and minor illnesses, and they’re fully qualified to assess your symptoms, offer advice, and provide treatment where appropriate – all in one visit.

You can use the service in two ways:

• Through a referral from your GP, NHS 111 (online or by phone), or urgent care
• Or by visiting or contacting your pharmacy directly – no referral is needed for the 7 common conditions listed below

These conditions include:

• Earache (in children)
• Sore throat
• Urinary tract infections (in women)
• Impetigo
• Infected insect bites
• Shingles
• Sinusitis

As well as helping with minor illnesses, community pharmacies also offer a wide range of support for your overall health and wellbeing, including:

• Stopping smoking
• Healthy eating and physical activity advice
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Contraception services
• Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations

So next time you need quick, reliable healthcare advice, remember: your local pharmacist is trained, trusted, and ready to help.