If you've ever sat on hold to your GP at eight in the morning hoping for a slot, Pharmacy First was built for you. It's an NHS service that lets community pharmacists assess and, where appropriate, treat seven common conditions directly. No GP appointment, no prescription charge if you're exempt, and most of the time you're out of the door inside twenty minutes.
The seven conditions, in plain English
- Sore throat (acute pharyngitis), age 5 and over
- Earache (acute otitis media), age 1 to 17
- Sinusitis, age 12 and over
- Infected insect bites, age 1 and over
- Impetigo, age 1 and over
- Shingles, age 18 and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections, women aged 16 to 64
How an appointment actually runs
You walk in, or call ahead. We take you into the private consultation room, ask a structured set of questions, and where it's clinically appropriate, examine the ear, throat or skin. If you meet the criteria for treatment, we'll supply the medication on the spot. If you don't, we'll tell you honestly and point you towards the right next step, whether that's self-care, your GP, or 111.
Pharmacy First isn't a shortcut. It's the right level of care for things that don't need a doctor but do need a clinician.
A friendly nudge
Need a pharmacist, not Google?
Pop into Hedon Pharmacy on St Augustines Gate, or book a service online.
What it costs
Nothing for the consultation. Any medication supplied is charged at the standard NHS prescription rate, unless you're exempt. There is no private fee at Hedon for a Pharmacy First appointment.
When to come straight to us
If a child has been pulling at their ear for two days, or you've got the classic burning of a UTI, or a rash that's coming on quickly and looks like shingles, don't wait a week for a GP slot. Pop in. We'll either help you on the day or point you somewhere that can.
