Pharmacy First

Patients can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

What is Pharmacy First?

 Pharmacy First will enable community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP. So when you or a member of your family are ill with any of the seven conditions, you can go straight to a local pharmacy offering Pharmacy First to have a consultation with a trained clinical professional, receive advice and even medication, if it’s needed. You can also be referred to your local community pharmacy by your GP Practice, NHS111 or another medical or emergency care setting.

What are the seven common conditions?

• Ear infections (for those aged 1 to 17 years)
• Impetigo (for those aged 1 year and over)
• Infected insect bites (for those aged1 year and over)
• Shingles (for those aged 18 years and over)
• Sinusitis (for those aged 12 years and over)
• Sore throat (for those aged 5 years and over)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (for women aged16 to 64 years)

How do I know if my local pharmacy is offering the service?

More than 10,000 pharmacies have already signed up to Pharmacy First – that’s over 95 per cent of all those in England. 97% of Surrey community pharmacies offer the Pharmacy First service.

For more information please see the short video here

Find out more about Pharmacy First at: surreyheartlands.org/pharmacies

Published on 7 February 2025