Pharmacy First Scheme
What is Pharmacy First?
The Pharmacy First scheme means you can go and see a pharmacist about several minor illnesses and conditions you would previously have had to see your GP about. You can visit your pharmacist for a consultation and they will treat you and prescribe medicines if necessary. If your condition is more serious you will be referred to a GP or hospital.
Your pharmacist will assess your suitably for treating you and may refer you to another health service if they feel it's more appropriate.
What conditions can you see your pharmacist about?
Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can treat and prescribe medicines for seven conditions. These are the conditions, and at what age, you can see the pharmacist about:
- Earache - 1 to 17 years.
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Impetigo - 1 year and over.
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Infected insect bites - 1 year and over.
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Shingles - 18 years and over.
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Sinusitis - 12 years and over.
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Sore throat - 5 years and over.
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Uncomplicated urinary tract infections - women 16-64 years.
What will happen at your pharmacist appointment
Your consultation with the pharmacist will always be confidential and in a private place. The pharmacist will ask you questions about your health - they may need to know about your previous medical history, any allergies, any medicines you are taking, and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will ask you before checking any medical records.For some conditions, the pharmacist may ask to have a look at what is wrong - for instance, if you have an earache, they may use an otoscope to look into your ear. The pharmacist will not use diagnostic tests to check for specific conditions - such as checking a pee sample for a UTI or swabbing your sore throat.
The pharmacist will recommend the best course of action to treat your condition - this could be that your illness is best to run its course, they may prescribe medication such as antibiotics. If your condition is more severe they may refer you to another health service or professional.
The notes of your consultation will be added to your medical records.
If you are not exempt from paying for your prescriptions there may be a charge.
Published on 16 June 2026