NHS Pharmacy First private consultation and antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (cystitis) in women aged 16 to 64.
A lower urinary tract infection (UTI), commonly referred to as cystitis, is an infection of the bladder and urethra, most frequently caused by Escherichia coli bacteria entering through the urethra. UTIs are significantly more common in women due to a shorter urethra located close to the anus. Cardinal symptoms of an uncomplicated lower UTI include dysuria (a burning, stinging pain or scalding sensation when urinating), increased urinary frequency, a constant urgent sensation to pee even with an empty bladder, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and lower abdominal (suprapubic) discomfort or pelvic pressure. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, an accredited pharmacist conducts a confidential triage in a private room. The pharmacist checks for diagnostic symptom combinations (such as burning on urination plus urinary urgency in the absence of vaginal discharge). Where clinical criteria are satisfied under the national protocol, the pharmacist can supply a 3-day course of first-line NHS antibiotics (such as Nitrofurantoin) without needing a GP prescription.
Your consultation is carried out in a soundproof, private consultation suite by a qualified healthcare professional.
Your consultation begins in a soundproof, private clinic room inside the pharmacy. Your pharmacist reviews your symptom history, existing medications, and individual requirements.
Your clinician carries out diagnostic checks or vital signs triage tailored to Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) (Women 16–64) in line with UK clinical standards and NICE protocols.
If clinically appropriate under the NHS specification, treatments or prescription medicines are dispensed directly at the pharmacy counter.
You will receive comprehensive instructions on recovery, expected timelines, and when to seek medical advice. An electronic clinical notification is shared with your registered NHS GP practice.
If symptoms persist, fail to improve within the expected timeframe, or if regular monitoring is required, book a follow-up consultation with your pharmacy team or contact your GP.
This consultation is delivered under an NHS commissioning framework. It is free for qualifying patients meeting national clinical eligibility criteria. It is not an unrestricted free service for all conditions or non-qualifying demographics.
No consultation fee is charged for qualifying NHS patients. Standard NHS prescription exemption rules apply if medications are dispensed.
376 BARKING ROAD, PLAISTOW, LONDON • E13 8HL
NEW VALLEY ROAD, EXWICK EX4 2AD, EXETER • EX4 2AD
418 WHITMORE WAY, BASILDON • SS14 2HB
625-627 ROMAN ROAD, LONDON • E3 2RN
197-199 ROMAN ROAD, LONDON, BETHNAL GREEN, E2 0QY, LONDON • E2 0QY
85-87 HIGH STREET, RUSHDEN • NN10 0NZ
2 TADWORTH PARADE, ELM PARK, HORNCHURCH • RM12 5AS
THE CROSS, EASTRY, SANDWICH • CT13 0HG
Follow these simple steps before attending the clinic:
Clinical advice for ongoing recovery and support:
Clinical guidance on consultations, eligibility, and prescription dispensing.
NextDoorClinic content is developed in collaboration with registered UK pharmacy prescribers and based on evidence-based UK clinical commissioning standards and clinical practice guidance:
