NHS Pharmacy First
NHS Pharmacy First lets our pharmacists assess and treat seven common conditions — including prescribing medicines where appropriate — without you needing to see a GP first. For most of these conditions you can simply walk in and ask.
NHS Pharmacy First is free on the NHS. There's nothing to pay for the consultation, and any medicine we prescribe under the service is also free of charge — the same as an NHS prescription exemption, but without the paperwork.
The seven conditions we treat
| Condition | Who it’s for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Acute otitis mediaearache | 1 to 17 years | We'll check for signs of infection and can prescribe antibiotics if they're needed. |
| Impetigoa crusty, weeping skin infection, often around the nose and mouth | 1 year and over | Impetigo spreads easily between family members and at school or nursery — early treatment helps stop that. |
| Infected insect bitesa bite that has become red, hot or swollen | 1 year and over | We'll look at the bite and can treat straightforward infections on the spot. |
| Shinglesa painful, blistering rash, usually on one side of the body | 18 years and over | Shingles treatment works best started early, so don't wait if you suspect it — come straight in. |
| Sinusitisa sinus infection, with facial pain or a blocked, thick-mucus nose | 12 years and over | Most sinusitis clears on its own, but we can advise or treat if it's severe or not improving. |
| Sore throata painful, infected throat | 5 years and over | We'll check for signs that need antibiotics rather than just time and fluids. |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)a bladder infection with stinging, urgency or needing to go often | Women aged 16 to 64 | A quick, private conversation and, where appropriate, a dipstick test in the consultation room. |
The seven Pharmacy First clinical pathways shown here were last reviewed against national guidance in October 2025.
How it works
- Step 1
Ask at the counter, or arrive by referral
Walk in and tell any member of the team what's wrong — no booking needed. Your GP practice or NHS 111 can also refer you straight to us if they think Pharmacy First is the right route.
- Step 2
A short, private consultation
One of our pharmacists takes you into the consultation room, asks about your symptoms and, where needed, does a simple examination or test — the same confidentiality as a GP appointment.
- Step 3
Treatment, advice, or a safety-net referral
Most people leave with treatment or clear advice on the same visit. If your symptoms need more than we can offer, we'll refer you on — to your GP, an urgent care service, or 999 if it's serious.
How you can reach us
- Walk in and ask at the counter — no appointment or referral needed for most people
- Referral from Willowbrook Surgery or another local GP practice
- Referral from NHS 111, online or by phone
Your GP at Willowbrook Surgery can point you our way too — we work closely together, being two doors apart.
Page last reviewed: 4 August 2026
Next review due: 4 August 2027