Pharmacy First

Are you suffering from a minor ailment? If yes, visit your Pharmacy First

You don’t need to make an appointment to see your doctor or visit an emergency service if you are suffering from many common conditions. You can get advice and treatment from your local pharmacist, and in many cases treatment will be free.

What about babies and children?

Your pharmacist can provide treatment for babies and children for certain common conditions such as nappy rash, colic, teething, mouth ulcers and head lice. A full range of conditions is listed below.

Some medicines can only be given to younger children on prescription , and sometimes the pharmacist may need to see your child to make sure the right treatment or advice is given to you may be asked to bring the child in.

What should I do if my symptoms persist?

If your symptoms persist, you should seek further advice from your pharmacist or your GP.

If you have the following symptoms, go straight to your pharmacy and ask to speak to your pharmacist:

  • Acne – Mild
  • Acute Sore Throat
  • Athlete’s Foot
  • Burns or Scalds – Minor
  • Cold Sores (No Acyclovir)
  • Colic (infant)
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Constipation (infrequent) – Adult
  • Coughs & Colds and Nasal Congestion
  • Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis – Infants)
  • Cystitis – Mild
  • Dandruff
  • Dental Caries – Prevention of
  • Dermatitis – Mild
  • Diarrhoea – Adult
  • Dry Skin – Mild
  • Ear Wax
  • Eyes (dry or tired)
  • Haemorrhoids (Piles)
  • Hay Fever (mild/moderate)
  • Head Lice
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Indigestion & Heartburn
  • Insect Bites & Stings
  • Mouth Ulcers
  • Nappy Rash
  • Pain associated with Minor Conditions (aches and sprains, headache, back or period pain)
  • Ringworm
  • Skin – mild dryness
  • Sore throat (lozenges or sprays)
  • Sun Protection
  • Sunburn
  • Threadworms
  • Thrush – Oral
  • Toothache/Teething Toothpaste (high fluoride)
  • Travel Sickness
  • Verrucas
  • Vitamins & Minerals
  • Warts

Think Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First Minor Ailments is a service being offered by Community Pharmacies. It means that you can get advice and NHS funded medicines for common, less serious illnesses from a community pharmacist without having to make an appointment with your GP to obtain a prescription or visit a hospital.

If you don’t normally pay for NHS prescriptions, any medicines supplied to you under the Pharmacy First scheme will be free. And if you do usually pay for your prescriptions, the cost of the medicine should be much less than the current prescription charge.

Your pharmacist is a qualified health professional who can help you with your health problems. Anything you discuss with your pharmacist will be confidential and they will offer you a private space to talk about your symptoms.

Can I go to any pharmacy?

All pharmacies will offer you advice and appropriate treatment for the symptoms listed below, with most pharmacies participating in the scheme to provide certain medicines at NHS expense. If your pharmacy is not participating in this scheme, they will be able to advice you of the nearest participating pharmacy.