NHS Services 14 March 2026 4 min read

Pharmacy First: when to skip the GP queue

A quick guide to the NHS service

Getting a GP appointment for a sore throat or earache can feel impossible. The NHS Pharmacy First service is designed to fix that. For many everyday conditions, your community pharmacist is now your first port of call.

The seven conditions covered

Pharmacy First covers sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

If your symptoms match, our pharmacist can assess you in a private consultation room and, where appropriate, supply prescription medication on the spot, all free on the NHS.

When to choose Pharmacy First

You can't get a same-day GP appointment
Your symptoms fit one of the seven conditions
You want advice from a trusted healthcare professional
You'd prefer a walk-in service close to home

Pop in any day during opening hours. No booking required. If we can't help, we'll point you in the right direction.