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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.

  • 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.

  • 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