Pharmacy First is a program that provides professional healthcare advice, treatments, and medications for common illnesses directly from your local pharmacy, without the need for an appointment.

This service is delivered by highly qualified pharmacists who specialize in medicines and can offer the same level of guidance and treatment as a GP for common ailments.

Pharmacy First offers several advantages, including the extended hours of pharmacies, including evenings and weekends, which allow for quicker and more accessible assistance compared to waiting for a GP appointment. Moreover, appointments are not necessary, and consultations are handled with confidentiality. Those exempt from prescription charges receive the medicines for free, while others can choose between paying the standard prescription fee or the cost of the medicine, whichever is more cost-effective.

Overall Pharmacy First offers a convenient and effective solution for obtaining healthcare advice and treatment for common illnesses.

 

If you are feeling unwell and suspect you have any of the common illnesses listed below, you have two options to access Pharmacy First:

- Visit your local participating pharmacy for a private consultation with a pharmacist.

- Your GP practice or healthcare services may direct you to a participating pharmacy.

The participating pharmacist will provide an overview of the service and collect necessary details like your name, date of birth, postcode, and GP practice for registration.

If you choose not to register, you can still receive free confidential health advice, but you won't be eligible for free medication (if usually exempt from prescription charges) or discounted prices under the scheme.

Common Illnesses that are included?

• Aches and pains (sprains and strains)
• Athlete’s foot
• Bites
• Cold sores
• Conjunctivitis
• Constipation
• Contact dermatitis
• Coughs and colds
• Diarrhoea
• Ear wax
• Fever
• Hay fever
• Headache
• Head lice (nits)
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Itching (chicken pox)
• Minor burns and scalds
• Mouth ulcers
• Nappy rash
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Sore throats
• Stings
• Teething
• Threadworms
• Thrush

 

Will I have to pay for my advice or medicine?

Any guidance provided is complimentary, and if your pharmacist deems that the condition requires additional assessment, they will suggest where to seek further advice.

If you are exempt from prescription charges, any prescribed medication will be provided at no cost. For those who typically pay for prescriptions, you will either pay for the medication or the standard prescription fee, whichever is less expensive.

Will I always get medication?

Sometimes, professional healthcare advice may be sufficient without the need for medication. If the pharmacist deems it necessary to refer you elsewhere, they will point you in the direction of the most suitable service.

Medication will be provided only if you have a current condition that requires treatment. Any medication given to you should be used solely for your own treatment or that of a dependent.

Important information

If accessing the Pharmacy First Scheme you must tell your pharmacist if:

  • You are pregnant and/or breastfeeding
  • You think you might be pregnant
  • Other medications you are taking
  • Any allergies that you have

Please visit us at Streatham Pharmacy for more information.