Pharmacy First – get help without a GP appointment
Your local pharmacy can assess and treat several common conditions without you needing to see a GP.
Pharmacy First
Your local pharmacy can assess and treat several common conditions without needing a GP appointment.
This includes sore throat, sinusitis, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Self-care advice
Many minor illnesses can be treated at home with advice from a pharmacist and medicines bought over the counter.
This may include treatment for coughs, colds, hay fever, indigestion, mild pain, sore throats and minor skin conditions.
Not sure what to do?
Use NHS 111 if you need medical help quickly and are not sure whether you should visit a pharmacy, contact the practice or use another NHS service.
Use 111 online if you are aged 5 or over. For children under 5, please call 111.
Over-the-counter medicines
Many minor illnesses can be treated with medicines you can buy from a pharmacy or supermarket without a prescription.
GP practices are usually not able to prescribe medicines that are available over the counter for short-term minor conditions, unless there is a clinical reason.
Examples include treatment for:
• coughs, colds and sore throats
• mild pain such as headaches or muscle aches
• hay fever and allergies
• indigestion
• athlete’s foot and minor skin conditions
When to contact the GP
Please contact the practice if:
• your symptoms are severe
• they last longer than expected
• they keep coming back
• you have a long-term condition
• you are unsure what treatment you need