Your pharmacist can help too
Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and can give you confidential health advice for a range of common illnesses and complaints.
Don’t wait for a GP appointment for coughs, colds, aches and pains. Just call your local pharmacy a call or drop in – there’s no need to make an appointment.
Your pharmacists can also help you decide if you need to see a doctor or nurse.
Click here for more information about how pharmacies can help you.
View a list of local pharmacies by clicking here.
Minor illnesses your pharmacist can help you with
Skin
Acne, Spots and Pimples, Allergic Reactions, Athletes Foot, Bites or Stings, Insect or Spider Blisters, Itch, Scabies, Skin, rash
Gastrointestinal
Constipation, Diarrhoea, Rectal Pain, Vomiting
Pain
Ankle Foot Pain or Swelling, Headache, Hip, Thigh or Buttock Pain or Swelling, Knee or Lower Leg Pain, Lower Back Pain, Lower Limb Pain or Swelling, Shoulder Pain, Toe Pain or Swelling, Wrist, Hand or Finger Pain
Ear Nose and Throat
Ear discharge or Ear Wax Earache, Eye, Red or Irritable Eye, Sticky, Watery, Eyelid problem, Hearing Problem or Blocked Ears, Mouth ulcers, Sore Throat, Watery Eyelid Problems
Respiratory
Cough, Cold and Flu, Nasal Congestion
Other problems
Hair Loss, Sleep Difficulties, Tiredness, Vaginal Discharge, Vaginal Itch or Soreness, Wound Problems – management or dressings
Launch of NHS Pharmacy First advanced service
The NHS Pharmacy First advanced service will launch on Wednesday, 31 January, as announced in November 2023.
The new service will enable community pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice. This, alongside expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, will help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness.
As part of this change, the service is being expanded to include seven new clinical pathways (listed below). Patients suffering with any of these conditions can be treated with an appropriate antibiotic/antiviral medicine at participating community pharmacies.
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection – Women 16 to 64 years
- Shingles – 18 years and over
- Acute Otitis Media – 1 to 17 years
- Acute Sinusitis – 12 years and over
- Infected insect bites – 1 year and over
- Impetigo – 1 year and over
- Acute Sore Throat – 5 years and over
