NHS Pharmacy First · Urinary tract infection (UTI)
UTI? Get treated today, without a GP appointment.
If you’re a woman aged 16 to 64 with a urinary tract infection (often called cystitis), our pharmacist can assess you in private and, if you need it, give you antibiotics on the NHS.
- Women aged 16 to 64
- Free consultation
- About 15 minutes
- Walk in, or book
Can I use Pharmacy First for a UTI?
Yes, if
- You’re a woman aged 16 to 64
- Your symptoms started recently
Not covered
- Men, and women under 16 or over 64 (contact your GP or NHS 111)
- You’re pregnant
- You have a urinary catheter
- UTIs that keep coming back (2 in the last 6 months, or 3 in the last year)
- Signs of a kidney infection (see above)
Not covered? Come in anyway if you’d like advice. Our pharmacist will help where they can, and tell you who to see if they can’t.
Symptoms
- pain or burning when you pee
- needing to pee suddenly, or more often than usual, including at night
- cloudy pee
- pain low down in your tummy
- blood in your pee
What happens when you come in
Walk in, or book a time
Ask at the counter for Pharmacy First. You don’t need to see your GP first.
A private chat with the pharmacist
You’ll talk to the pharmacist in our private consultation room. They’ll ask about your symptoms, whether you could be pregnant, and check for signs that you need to see a doctor instead. You won’t usually need to give a urine sample.
Advice, and treatment if you need it
The pharmacist explains what they think is going on and what will help. Any medicine they give you is supplied on the NHS.
We let your GP know
A short note goes to your GP surgery, so your record is up to date. If you need to see a doctor, we’ll tell you.
What treatment might I get?
If a UTI is likely, the pharmacist may offer you antibiotics on the NHS, usually a 3-day course.
Most women feel better within a couple of days of starting them.
If antibiotics aren’t right for you, they’ll explain why and what to do next.
Looking after yourself
- Drink plenty of water so you pee regularly
- Take paracetamol for the pain
- Rest, and use a hot water bottle on your tummy or back
- Avoid having sex until you feel better
What it costs
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist gives you a medicine, you pay the usual NHS prescription charge for it, unless you get free prescriptions (for example if you’re under 16, 60 or over, pregnant, or get certain benefits). Check if you get free prescriptions.
Questions people ask
Will I need to give a urine sample?
Not usually. The pharmacist decides from your symptoms. If they need a sample or think you should be tested further, they’ll tell you.
Is it private?
Completely. You’ll be seen in our private consultation room, and only the details needed for your care are recorded.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in any time we’re open and ask for Pharmacy First. If you’d rather not wait, book a time online. GP surgeries and NHS 111 can also send you to us.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes with the pharmacist. If they’re with someone else, you may have a short wait.
Will my GP know?
Yes. We send a short note to your GP surgery afterwards, so your medical record stays up to date.
What should I bring?
A list of any medicines you take, including ones you buy yourself. Children under 16 should come with a parent or guardian.
Ready to be seen?
Walk in any time we’re open: Monday to Saturday, 8:00am to 10:30pm. Sunday, 12 noon to 10:30pm. Or book a time and skip the wait.