What Conditions Does Pharmacy First Cover?
The NHS Pharmacy First service currently covers seven clinical pathways. Eligibility criteria — including age and, for some conditions, sex — vary between pathways and are set by NHS England. The pharmacist will always carry out a clinical assessment before any treatment is provided.
Sinusitis
Adults and children aged 12 and over.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, often following a cold or upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include facial pain or pressure, a blocked or runny nose, and reduced sense of smell. Most cases resolve without antibiotics, but a pharmacist can assess whether treatment is appropriate.
Sore throat
Adults and children aged 5 and over.
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections and clear on their own within a week. A pharmacist can use a validated clinical scoring tool to assess whether a bacterial cause is likely and whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate.
Earache (acute otitis media)
Children aged 1 to 17 years.
Acute otitis media is a middle ear infection that is common in young children. Symptoms include ear pain, a high temperature, and sometimes temporary hearing loss. A pharmacist can assess the child and advise on appropriate management.
Infected insect bites
Adults and children aged 1 and over.
Insect bites can occasionally become infected, causing increasing redness, warmth, swelling or discharge around the bite site. A pharmacist can assess the bite and provide appropriate treatment where clinically indicated.
Impetigo
Adults and children aged 1 and over.
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that causes sores, blisters or a honey-coloured crust, typically around the nose and mouth. A pharmacist can assess and supply appropriate topical or oral treatment depending on the extent of the infection.
Shingles
Adults aged 18 and over.
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). It causes a painful rash, usually on one side of the body or face. Early antiviral treatment can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Prompt assessment is important.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)
Women aged 16 to 64 without complicating factors.
An uncomplicated UTI causes symptoms including pain or burning when urinating, a frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. The Pharmacy First pathway is available for eligible women only; men, pregnant women, and those with certain other conditions are not eligible under this pathway and should see their GP.
Do I Need to See My GP First?
No — eligible patients can approach a participating community pharmacy directly without a GP referral. You may also be referred to a Pharmacy First provider by NHS 111, your GP practice, or another NHS service.
The pharmacist will carry out a clinical assessment. Treatment is not automatically an antibiotic or prescription medicine. Depending on the assessment, the pharmacist may give self-care advice, recommend an appropriate over-the-counter treatment, supply an NHS medicine where the clinical pathway permits and it is clinically appropriate, or refer you to another healthcare professional if that is the right course of action.
Is Pharmacy First Free?
The NHS Pharmacy First consultation itself is provided free of charge. There is no consultation fee.
If a medicine is supplied as part of the service, standard NHS prescription charge rules apply. Most adults in England pay the current NHS prescription charge per item unless they are exempt. Exemptions include children under 16, people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions or on qualifying benefits. If you are unsure whether you are exempt, ask the pharmacist.
Can I Use Pharmacy First at Clocktower Pharmacy?
Yes. Clocktower Pharmacy provides the NHS Pharmacy First service in Ormskirk. Patients can walk in during opening hours to speak to a pharmacist about whether Pharmacy First is appropriate for their condition.
The pharmacist will assess your eligibility and carry out a clinical assessment. Please do not attend if you are seriously unwell — call 999 or go to your nearest A&E in an emergency.
Clocktower Pharmacy38 Burscough StreetOrmskirkL39 2ES01695 574118When Should I Seek Urgent Help?
Pharmacy First is suitable for mild to moderate presentations of the seven conditions listed above. It is not appropriate for every situation. You should seek urgent medical help if your symptoms are severe, are getting rapidly worse, or if you are concerned about your condition.
For urgent medical advice, contact NHS 111 online or call 111. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or someone else is seriously unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Pharmacy First without seeing my GP?
Yes. For the seven conditions covered by the service, eligible patients can go directly to a participating pharmacy without a GP referral. You can also be referred by NHS 111 or your GP practice.
Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics through Pharmacy First?
A pharmacist can supply certain prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics, under the Pharmacy First clinical pathways where it is clinically appropriate to do so. Treatment is not automatic — the pharmacist will carry out an assessment first. Self-care advice may be given instead of a medicine.
Do I need an appointment for Pharmacy First?
You do not need a GP appointment. At Clocktower Pharmacy, patients can walk in during opening hours to speak to a pharmacist. It is worth calling ahead on 01695 574118 to check availability.
Can children use Pharmacy First?
Yes, for some of the seven conditions. Eligibility varies: the sore throat pathway covers children aged 5 and over; earache covers children aged 1 to 17; sinusitis covers those aged 12 and over; and infected insect bites and impetigo cover those aged 1 and over. Shingles and the UTI pathway are for adults only. A parent or guardian should accompany young children.
Is Pharmacy First an NHS service?
Yes. NHS Pharmacy First is an NHS England commissioned service. The consultation is provided free of charge. Standard NHS prescription charge rules apply to any medicines supplied.