Fast, free NHS care for common conditions, right at your local pharmacy.
Skip the GP wait. Accredited community pharmacists provide expert clinical consultations, diagnosis, and prescription treatments on the NHS.
7 Conditions You Can Get Treated at a Pharmacy
Select any service below to review clinical eligibility, symptoms evaluated, and NHS prescription treatments.
Acute Sore Throat
Earache & Ear Infections
Acute Sinusitis
Uncomplicated UTI
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Impetigo (Skin Infection)
Infected Insect Bites
Trusted Care for 7 Common Conditions
See how patients across the UK receive rapid, professional diagnosis and free NHS prescription medicines without GP surgery delays.
“Walking into my local pharmacy instead of waiting two weeks for a GP was an absolute game changer. The pharmacist examined my condition in a private room, diagnosed it immediately, and dispensed the NHS prescription on the spot.”
Emily R.
Treated for Sore Throat · Manchester
Explore the 7 Conditions Covered by the NHS
Click any condition below to review clinical eligibility, symptoms evaluated, and prescription medications supplied under NHS PGD guidelines.
Acute Sore Throat
Clinical throat examination, FeverPAIN diagnostic assessment, and immediate prescription antibiotics if a bacterial infection (Group A Strep) is diagnosed.
Symptoms evaluated by your pharmacist
Clinical Treatment Protocol
Clinical scoring using validated Centor / FeverPAIN criteria. If bacterial tonsillitis or pharyngitis is confirmed, pharmacists supply targeted prescription antibiotics on the NHS.
Supplied under national PGD protocols when bacterial infection or clinical indication is confirmed.
Need care for Sore Throat?
Find participating pharmacies with same-day consultation slots.
How to Access Pharmacy First in 3 Steps
Book Online or Walk In
Enter your postcode to find nearby accredited pharmacies and secure an appointment time, or simply walk in during opening hours.
Private Consultation
Meet with a registered pharmacist in a private consultation room for a diagnostic check and symptom evaluation.
Free NHS Treatment
Receive prescription medicines or advice immediately. Your GP practice is updated automatically to maintain your records.
Common Questions About Pharmacy First
Is NHS Pharmacy First really 100% free?+
Yes. Clinical assessments, consultations, and any prescription medications supplied under NHS Pharmacy First are completely free. If you normally pay for NHS prescriptions, standard prescription charges may apply to dispensed medicines unless you have an NHS exemption.
Do I need an appointment or GP referral?+
No referral is required. You can simply walk into any participating community pharmacy or book online through NextDoorClinic to secure your preferred time slot without GP waiting queues.
Can the pharmacist prescribe antibiotics directly?+
Yes. Accredited pharmacists operate under NHS Patient Group Directions (PGDs) or Independent Prescribing credentials, allowing them to supply prescription-only medications (POMs) including oral and topical antibiotics or antivirals.
Where does the consultation take place?+
All consultations are conducted in a clean, private, and sound-proof consultation room located inside the pharmacy to guarantee total patient confidentiality.
Will my GP record be updated?+
Yes. Following your appointment, the pharmacist securely sends an electronic consultation summary directly to your registered GP surgery record to maintain complete continuity of care.
NHS Clinical Governance & Patient Safety
NHS Pharmacy First services are provided exclusively through registered UK community pharmacies regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and NHS England.
Emergency Notice: If you or someone you are caring for experiences severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, or signs of sepsis or anaphylaxis, call 999 immediately.