Need healthcare advice? Thinking ‘Pharmacy First’ makes it easier to get help!
Skip the morning rush to see a GP by visiting your pharmacy if you suspect you have one of seven minor conditions.
Earlier this year 75% of people said they wanted to see pharmacies offering more healthcare services such as treating urinary tract infections or sore throats, and now they will be. Almost all pharmacies will offer the new service, giving advice and, if needed, NHS medicines, to treat seven common health conditions – and all without needing to get a GP appointment.
What seven conditions can I see my pharmacy for?
Please be aware of the inclusions and exclusions list. If you symptoms fall under any exclusion, please speak to the GP instead.
Impetigo (Infection of skin)
Impetigo is a common infection of the skin, it is contagious, which means it can be passed on by touching.
| Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Above the age of 1 | Under the age of 1 |
| Localised (found in one or a few locations, i.e. 4 or fewer lesions / clusters / patches) | Widespread lesions / clusters / patches found across the body |
| Signs and symptoms of impetigo | Pregnant or suspected pregnancy in individuals under the age of 16 |
| Breastfeeding with signs of impetigo located on breasts | |
| Recurrent impetigo (2 or more episodes in the same year) | |
| Systematically unwell (currently have conditions that affect the body as a whole such as high blood pressure or has a flu) |
Infected Insect Bites
Insect bites and stings can become infected or cause a reaction.
| Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Above the age of 1 | Under the age of 1 |
| Infection that is present or worsening at least 2 days after the initial bite(s) or sting(s) | Pregnant or suspected pregnancy in individuals under the age of 16 |
| Bite or sting occurred while travelling outside of the UK | |
| Systematically unwell (currently have conditions that affect the body as a whole such as high blood pressure or has a flu) |
Otitis Media (Ear Infection)
An infection of the middle ear.
| Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Aged between 1 and 17 | Under the age of 1 or over the age of 18 |
| Suspected signs and symptoms of otitis media | Pregnant or suspected pregnancy in individuals under the age of 16 |
| Acute (first episode) | Recurrent infection (3 or more episodes in preceding 6 months / 4 or more episodes in the preceding 12 months with at least one episode in the past 6 months.) |
Shingles
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash.
| Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Above the age of 18 | Under the age of 18 |
| Rash appeared within the last 3 to 7 days | Rash appeared over 7 days ago |
| Suspected case of shingles | Pregnant or suspect pregnancy |
| Breastfeeding with shingles sores on the breasts |
Sinusitis (Inflammation of sinuses)
Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection.
The sinuses are small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose.
| Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Above the age of 12 | Under the age of 12 |
| Suspected signs and symptoms of sinusitis | Pregnant or suspected pregnancy in individuals under the age of 16 |
| Acute (first episode) | Recurrent sinusitis (4 or more annual episodes of sinusitis) |
| Symptoms duration of 10 days or more | Symptom duration of less than 10 days |
Sore Throat
Sore throat is a symptom resulting from inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
| Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Above the age of 5 | Under the age of 5 |
| Suspected sore throat | Pregnant or suspected pregnancy in individuals under the age of 16 |
| Acute (first episode) | Recurrent sore throat/tonsillitis (7 or more significant episodes in the preceding 12 months / 5 or more in each of the preceding 2 years / 3 or more in the preceding three years) |
| Previous tonsillectomy |
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Female Only
A UTI is an infection in the part of the urinary tract.
| Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Female | Male |
| Aged between 16 and 64 | Below the age of 16 or above the age of 64 |
| Suspected Lower UTI | Pregnant |
| Breastfeeding | |
| Recurrent UTI (2 in the last 6 months or in the last 12 months) | |
| Has catheter |