Think Pharmacy First!

Most pharmacies in England are now providing the Pharmacy First service.

This free NHS service allows you to get quick access to healthcare advice for the following seven conditions:

  • Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
  • Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • Sore throats (aged 5 years and over)
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

If you have symptoms that suggest you may have one of these conditions, you can walk into a pharmacy and be offered a consultation with a pharmacist in a private consultation room. Some pharmacies also offer the service remotely as a video consultation.

Your GP surgery may also electronically refer you to a pharmacy of your choice for the service.

The pharmacist will provide advice and, if clinically necessary, a prescription medicine to treat the condition (NHS prescription charges apply if you normally pay for medicines supplied on prescription).

An electronic message will be sent to your GP surgery so they can update your health record.

If the pharmacist can’t treat you, they will direct you to your GP surgery or another health professional.

Local Pharmacies:

Watlington Health Limited, Rowan Close, Watlington, PE33 0TU

Well Pharmacy, Gayton Road Health Centre, Gayton Road, PE30 4DY

Willows Pharmacy, Paradise Road, Downham Market PE38 9JE

If you are a local pharmacy and wish to be included on our website, please contact us on 01553 810253.