K Keyworth
Pharmacy
NHS service

Pharmacy First.

Pharmacy First lets you see a pharmacist — not a GP — for seven common conditions. Where appropriate, we can supply NHS medication, including some prescription-only treatments, without a doctor's appointment.

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that replaces and expands the older Minor Ailment Scheme. It allows pharmacists to assess and, where suitable, treat seven common conditions — including issuing certain prescription-only medicines under a clinical protocol.

The seven conditions covered

  • Sinusitis (adults and children aged 12+)
  • Sore throat (adults and children aged 5+)
  • Earache (children aged 1–17)
  • Infected insect bites (adults and children aged 1+)
  • Impetigo (adults and children aged 1+)
  • Shingles (adults aged 18+)
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16–64)

How it works

  1. Come in, or you may be referred to us by NHS 111 or your GP surgery.
  2. You'll have a private consultation with our pharmacist in the consultation room.
  3. If you meet the clinical criteria, we'll supply treatment under the NHS Pharmacy First protocol — including antibiotics where appropriate.
  4. If your condition is outside what Pharmacy First covers, or if it needs further investigation, we'll refer you onward (usually to your GP).

Free for everyone (with the usual exceptions)

The consultation is free. If you're prescribed medication, normal NHS prescription charges apply unless you're exempt.

Why use Pharmacy First?

You don't need to wait for a GP appointment. You'll be seen by a qualified clinical professional, in a quiet consultation room, often the same day. For the conditions above, this is usually faster, easier and just as effective as going to your surgery.