NHS Pharmacy First
Expert assessment and treatment for seven common conditions without waiting for a GP appointment.
Looking for treatment for a common health condition without waiting for a GP appointment?
The NHS Pharmacy First service allows eligible patients to receive expert advice, a clinical assessment and, where clinically appropriate, treatment for a range of common conditions directly from a qualified pharmacist. This means you may be able to receive the care you need without booking a GP appointment.
The NHS Pharmacy First service helps improve access to healthcare by enabling community pharmacists to assess and treat eligible patients with certain common conditions. It provides faster access to treatment, reduces pressure on GP surgeries and makes healthcare more convenient for patients.
At PillBox Chemists, our experienced pharmacists can assess eligible patients and, where clinically appropriate, supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics, without the need to see a GP first. Whether you choose to walk in or contact your local branch, our team is here to provide expert healthcare advice and treatment.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, earache, sinusitis, a urinary tract infection (UTI), an infected insect bite, impetigo or shingles, the NHS Pharmacy First service could help you receive treatment more quickly, helping you get back to feeling your best sooner.
What Is NHS Pharmacy First?
NHS Pharmacy First is an NHS-funded service that enables eligible patients to receive assessment, advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions directly from a qualified community pharmacist, without the need to book a GP appointment.
Introduced by the NHS to improve access to primary healthcare, the Pharmacy First service helps patients receive timely treatment while reducing pressure on GP surgeries. Following a clinical assessment, pharmacists may be able to provide advice, recommend treatment or, where clinically appropriate, supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics.
Accessing the service is simple. Patients can:
- Walk into their local PillBox Chemists branch
- Book an appointment online (including same-day appointments, subject to availability)
- Schedule an appointment for a future date and time
- Book a convenient video consultation with one of our pharmacists, allowing you to receive advice and treatment from the comfort of your home
If your symptoms require further investigation or specialist care, your pharmacist can also refer you to the most appropriate healthcare service.
Please note that eligibility criteria apply, and not all patients or conditions will be suitable for treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service. Your pharmacist will assess your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate course of action based on your individual needs.
How Does Pharmacy First Work?
Accessing the NHS Pharmacy First service is quick and straightforward. If you’re experiencing symptoms of one of the eligible conditions, simply follow these four steps:
Step 1: Choose How You’d Like to Speak to a Pharmacist
You can access our Pharmacy First service in the way that’s most convenient for you:
- Walk into your local PillBox Chemists branch
- Book an appointment online
- Arrange a same-day appointment (subject to availability)
- Schedule an appointment for another day
- Book a video consultation from the comfort of your home
Step 2: Receive a Clinical Assessment
One of our qualified pharmacists will discuss your symptoms, ask a few questions about your medical history and assess whether the NHS Pharmacy First service is appropriate for your condition.
Step 3: Receive the Right Treatment
If suitable, your pharmacist will provide expert advice and, where clinically appropriate, may supply treatment, including prescription-only medicines such as antibiotics, through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Step 4: Ongoing Support or Referral
If your symptoms require further investigation or specialist care, your pharmacist will advise you on the next steps and, where appropriate, refer you to your GP or another healthcare service.
What Conditions Can Be Treated Through Pharmacy First?
Can Pharmacists Prescribe Antibiotics?
Yes, under the NHS Pharmacy First service, qualified community pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics, for certain common conditions where clinically appropriate.
Following a clinical assessment, your pharmacist will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. If antibiotics are suitable, they may be supplied without the need for a GP appointment.
However, antibiotics are not appropriate for every infection. Many common illnesses, such as viral infections, do not respond to antibiotics and can often be managed with self-care advice or other treatments. Prescribing antibiotics only when necessary helps reduce antibiotic resistance, ensuring these medicines remain effective for treating bacterial infections in the future.
At PillBox Chemists, our pharmacists follow national NHS clinical guidelines to ensure patients receive safe, effective and appropriate treatment. If your condition is not suitable for treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service, we will advise you on the next steps or refer you to the most appropriate healthcare professional.
Please note: Antibiotics are only supplied following a clinical assessment and where clinically appropriate. Not all patients or conditions will require antibiotic treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Pharmacy First?
The NHS Pharmacy First service offers a fast, convenient and accessible way to receive healthcare for a range of common conditions. Instead of waiting for a GP appointment, eligible patients can receive expert advice and, where clinically appropriate, treatment directly from a qualified community pharmacist.
Some of the key benefits of the NHS Pharmacy First service include:
- No GP appointment needed in most cases: – Eligible patients can often receive assessment and treatment directly from a qualified pharmacist without waiting to see their GP.
- Faster access to care: Many patients can be assessed and treated on the same day, subject to availability.
- Walk-in, online and video consultations: Choose the option that’s most convenient for you.
- Expert healthcare advice: Receive a clinical assessment from an experienced pharmacist.
- Access to prescription-only medicines: Including antibiotics where clinically appropriate.
- NHS-funded service: The pharmacist consultation is free for eligible patients. If an NHS prescription medicine is supplied, the standard NHS prescription charge may apply unless you are exempt.
- Care closer to home: Access treatment at your local PillBox Chemists branch without travelling to a GP surgery.
- Reduced pressure on GP surgeries: Helping GPs focus on patients with more complex medical needs.
Whether you’re experiencing a sore throat, earache, sinusitis, a urinary tract infection (UTI), an infected insect bite, impetigo or shingles, the NHS Pharmacy First service provides a convenient way to receive professional healthcare advice and treatment when you need it most.
Who Is Eligible?
The NHS Pharmacy First service is available to many patients, but eligibility depends on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s circumstances.
When you visit PillBox Chemists, one of our qualified pharmacists will carry out a clinical assessment to determine whether the Pharmacy First service is appropriate for your symptoms. They will discuss your medical history, current symptoms and any medications you are taking before recommending the most suitable treatment.
Some Pharmacy First conditions have specific age eligibility criteria, while others are only available for certain groups of patients. Your pharmacist will explain whether you meet the NHS eligibility requirements for the condition being assessed.
It’s also important to remember that not every patient will require medication. In some cases, your pharmacist may recommend self-care advice, over-the-counter treatment or monitoring your symptoms rather than supplying prescription-only medicines. If your condition requires further assessment, you may be referred to your GP or another appropriate healthcare service.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for the NHS Pharmacy First service, simply speak to the team at PillBox Chemists. We’ll be happy to assess your symptoms and advise on the most appropriate care for your individual needs.
| Condition | Age Eligibility |
| Earache | 1–17 years |
| Infected Insect Bite | 1 year and over |
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Sore Throat | 5 years and over |
| Uncomplicated UTI | Women aged 16–64 years |
When Should You See a GP Instead?
While the NHS Pharmacy First service can help with many common conditions, some symptoms require further medical assessment by a GP or another healthcare professional.
You should contact your GP or seek urgent medical advice if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
- Serious injuries or significant bleeding
- A high fever that does not improve or is accompanied by severe symptoms
- Symptoms that last longer than expected or continue to worsen despite treatment
- Persistent or unexplained symptoms that are causing concern
If, during your Pharmacy First consultation, our pharmacist believes your condition requires further investigation or specialist care, you will be advised on the next steps and, where appropriate, referred to your GP, NHS 111 or another suitable healthcare service.
Your health and safety are always our priority, and our pharmacists will ensure you receive the most appropriate care based on your symptoms and clinical assessment.
Other Healthcare Services Available at PillBox Chemists
At PillBox Chemists, we’re committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare for our local communities. In addition to the NHS PharmacyFirst service, we offer a wide range of NHS and private healthcare services to help you manage your health and wellbeing.
Blood Pressure Checks
High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms. Our blood pressure checks can help identify potential health concerns early and support better heart health.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
For patients who require further assessment, we also offer 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). This provides a more accurate picture of your blood pressure throughout the day and night, helping to diagnose or monitor hypertension.
Weight Management Programme
Our clinically supervised Weight Management Programme includes a comprehensive health assessment, mandatory blood tests, personalised treatment plans and ongoing support. For suitable patients, treatment options may include Wegovy® or Mounjaro®, following a clinical assessment.
Private Blood Tests
We offer a wide range of private blood tests, including health screening, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing, thyroid function tests, vitamin testing and many other diagnostic blood tests to help you better understand your health.
Travel Vaccinations
Travelling abroad? We provide a range of travel vaccinations and travel health advice to help protect you before your trip.
Contraception Services
Our pharmacists offer confidential contraception services, including oral contraception consultations, repeat supply where appropriate and emergency contraception advice.
New Medicine Service (NMS)
If you’ve recently started a new medicine for certain long-term conditions, our New Medicine Service (NMS) provides additional support to help you understand your medication, manage any side effects and get the best results from your treatment.
Prescription Services
From dispensing NHS prescriptions to providing expert medication advice, our pharmacy team is here to help you manage your medicines safely and conveniently.
Nominate Us for Your NHS Prescriptions
You can nominate PillBox Chemists as your preferred pharmacy to have your electronic NHS prescriptions sent directly to us. This makes managing your prescriptions quicker, simpler and more convenient.
Once we’ve received your prescription, our team will prepare your medication and, where available, arrange delivery directly to your home or chosen address, typically within 24–48 hours.
Additional benefits of nominating PillBox Chemists include:
- Convenient prescription management
- Electronic NHS prescriptions sent directly to your chosen PillBox branch
- Prescription delivery to your home or chosen address (available from selected branches)
- Reduced Private GP Appointment fee (£40 instead of £50)
- Reduced Private Prescription Charge (£40 instead of £50)
- Expert advice and ongoing support from our pharmacy team
To nominate PillBox Chemists as your preferred pharmacy or learn more about our prescription services, visit our Nominate Us page or speak to a member of our team.
To learn more about any of our healthcare services or to book an appointment, please contact your local PillBox Chemists branch or explore the services available on our website.
Why Choose PillBox Chemists?
At PillBox Chemists, we’re committed to making healthcare more accessible, convenient and patient-focused. Whether you need advice for a common illness, help managing a long-term condition or access to private healthcare services, our experienced pharmacy team is here to support you.
Here’s why patients choose PillBox Chemists:
- Experienced Pharmacists – Our qualified pharmacists provide expert clinical advice, assessments and treatment, ensuring you receive safe, professional and personalised care.
- NHS and Private Healthcare Services – We offer a comprehensive range of NHS and private healthcare services, allowing you to access the care you need in one convenient location.
- Convenient Locations – With multiple PillBox Chemists branches across the UK, professional healthcare is never far away.
- Flexible Appointments – Choose the option that suits you best, including walk-in visits, online booking or video consultations for selected services.
- Friendly, Patient-Focused Care – We take the time to listen, answer your questions and provide clear, personalised healthcare advice.
- Healthcare Close to Home – From Pharmacy First and blood pressure checks to weight management, travel vaccinations and blood tests, we’re here to support your health with trusted, high-quality care.
Whether you need treatment for a common condition through NHS Pharmacy First, advice about your medicines or support with one of our many healthcare services, our team is here to help.
Visit your local PillBox Chemists, book an appointment online or arrange a video consultation to access expert healthcare when you need it most.
Ready to Use NHS Pharmacy First?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of one of the eligible conditions, our experienced pharmacists are here to help.
You can:
- Walk into your local PillBox Chemists
- Book an appointment online
- Arrange a video consultation
Our pharmacists will assess your symptoms and provide the most appropriate advice and treatment.
Book Your Pharmacy First Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NHS Pharmacy First free?
The NHS Pharmacy First consultation is provided as part of an NHS-funded service, so there is no charge for the pharmacist consultation for eligible patients.
If your pharmacist supplies an NHS prescription medicine following your assessment, the standard NHS prescription charge may apply, unless you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
Can I use NHS Pharmacy First if I’m visiting from another area?
Yes. You don’t have to visit the pharmacy closest to your GP practice. If you’re eligible, you can access the NHS Pharmacy First service at any participating PillBox Chemists branch.
Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics?
Yes. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, qualified pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics, where clinically appropriate following a clinical assessment. Antibiotics are only supplied when necessary and are not suitable for every infection.
Do I need an appointment for Pharmacy First?
No. You can simply walk into your local PillBox Chemists branch. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online or arrange a video consultation for added convenience.
Can children use the NHS Pharmacy First service?
Yes. Some Pharmacy First conditions are available for children, although age eligibility varies depending on the condition being treated. Your pharmacist will advise whether your child is eligible.
Can I walk into any PillBox Chemists branch?
Yes. You can visit your local PillBox Chemists branch for a Pharmacy First consultation. You can also book online or arrange a video consultation for selected services.
What happens if I need to see a GP?
If your pharmacist believes your condition requires further investigation or specialist care, you’ll be advised on the next steps and, where appropriate, referred to your GP, NHS 111 or another suitable healthcare service.
Can I get antibiotics for a sore throat?
Possibly. Following a clinical assessment, your pharmacist may supply antibiotics if they are clinically appropriate. However, many sore throats are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics.
Can a pharmacist treat a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Yes. Eligible women with an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) may be assessed and treated through the NHS Pharmacy First service, including access to antibiotics where clinically appropriate.
What conditions can be treated through NHS Pharmacy First?
The NHS Pharmacy First service covers seven common conditions: sore throat, earache, sinusitis, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), infected insect bites, impetigo and shingles. Eligibility criteria apply.
How long does a Pharmacy First consultation take?
Most consultations are completed within 10–20 minutes, depending on your symptoms and the assessment required.
Can I book a video consultation for Pharmacy First?
Yes. At PillBox Chemists, patients can choose to walk in, book an appointment online or arrange a video consultation, making it easy to access professional healthcare in a way that suits them.
What should I bring to my Pharmacy First consultation?
If possible, bring a list of your current medications and be prepared to discuss your symptoms and medical history. This helps your pharmacist carry out a thorough clinical assessment and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
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