NHS Pharmacy First

Seven common conditions, treated here without a GP appointment.

Pharmacy First is an NHS service. Our pharmacists can assess you, and give you treatment if you need it, including some antibiotics, for seven common conditions. Walk in, or book a time.

  • Free NHS consultation
  • Open until 10:30pm, every day
  • Private consultation room
Check you can use it

What we can treat

Check you can use Pharmacy First

Three quick questions. Nothing you enter here is sent anywhere.

1. What’s the problem?

How it works

  1. Come in, or book

    Walk in any time we’re open and ask for Pharmacy First, or book a time online. Your GP surgery or NHS 111 may also send you to us.

  2. See the pharmacist in private

    They ask about your symptoms, check anything they need to (such as looking in an ear) and make sure nothing more serious is going on.

  3. Get treatment if you need it

    Advice, and medicine if it will help, supplied on the NHS. We send a short note to your GP so your record is up to date.

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.

Something else?

Our pharmacists can help with lots of everyday health problems that aren’t on this list: advice, over-the-counter medicines, and telling you where to go if you need a doctor.

Questions people ask

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.

Is it private?

Yes. You’ll be seen in our private consultation room.

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.

What if I’m not eligible?

Our pharmacist will still give you advice, and tell you whether to see your GP, call NHS 111 or go somewhere else.

Can you see children?

Yes, for the conditions that cover their age (earache is for children aged 1 to 17). A parent or guardian should come with children under 16.

Based on the NHS Pharmacy First service in England. Last updated October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis: the pharmacist will advise you on what’s right for you.