How to get treatment from a pharmacy without seeing a GP (Pharmacy First)
In England, most pharmacies can assess and, if needed, give prescription medicine for seven common conditions without a GP appointment. Here's what's covered and how to use it.
- Time
- 15 to 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 5
- Checked
What you’ll need
- A pharmacy taking part in Pharmacy First
- A list of any medicines you take
Safety first
- If symptoms are severe, getting worse or you're very unwell, contact your GP, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check if your condition is covered
Pharmacy First covers: impetigo (age 1 and over), infected insect bites (1 and over), earache (1 to 17), sore throat (5 and over), sinusitis (12 and over), urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64) and shingles (18 and over).
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Contact the pharmacy
You don't need an appointment, but phone first to check the pharmacy offers the service and the pharmacist is available. You may be referred by your GP or NHS 111 too.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Have a consultation
The pharmacist will talk to you privately, usually in a consultation room, and ask about symptoms and your health history.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Get treatment or advice
They'll give advice, supply medicine if you need it, or refer you to a GP or other service. If you're outside the age ranges, they can still advise and suggest non-prescription treatments.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Your GP will be told
The pharmacist updates your GP record. If you normally pay for prescriptions, ask the pharmacy about the charge for any medicine supplied.
Tips
- Pharmacists can also advise on many other minor illnesses, such as colds, diarrhoea and aches, without a referral.
- Many pharmacies open evenings and weekends.
When to call a professional
The pharmacist will tell you if you need a GP. Call 999 for emergencies.
Pharmacy First is an NHS England service. Wales and Scotland run their own pharmacy schemes; check NHS 111 Wales or NHS inform.
Questions people ask
Do I need an appointment?
No, but phone first to check the pharmacy offers the service.
Can men get UTI treatment this way?
No, the UTI part of the service is for women aged 16 to 64. Men should contact their GP.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
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