Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First launched on 31 January 2024. It builds on the existing Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, which since 2019 has allowed patients to be referred to a pharmacy for minor illnesses or urgent repeat medicines.

With Pharmacy First, community pharmacists can now treat 7 common conditions by following national clinical pathways. This means patients may be able to get prescription-only medicines directly from a pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment.

Why use Pharmacy First?

  • Frees up GP appointments for people who need them most.

  • Quicker, more convenient care for common conditions.

  • Safe and effective: pharmacists are highly trained and follow national clinical guidelines.

  • Private consultations available at your local pharmacy.

  • Joined-up care: pharmacies will notify your GP after each consultation.

Pharmacies already provide many other health services including flu and COVID vaccinations, blood pressure checks, healthy lifestyle advice, and support with quitting smoking.

How to access the service

You can use Pharmacy First in two ways:

  • Directly – visit or contact a participating pharmacy.

  • Referral – you may be directed by NHS 111, your GP, or urgent and emergency care.

Pharmacists will give self-care advice, look out for any “red flag” symptoms that need further investigation, and supply medicines if appropriate.

Find a participating pharmacy

You can view the full list of local participating pharmacies by clicking the link below:

👉 Download the list of participating pharmacies (PDF)

Find out more

To learn more about the Pharmacy First service, visit: Pharmacy First – NHS England