Booking an appointment with a general practitioner can sometimes be a lengthy process. Yet, many might not realize that their local pharmacy holds the key to addressing seven common health issues without needing a doctor’s visit.

The NHS is bringing this to the public’s attention, urging individuals to consider their pharmacy as the first line of defense for minor health concerns. In a recent post on X, the NHS emphasized, “Your pharmacist can provide treatment or some prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions – without you seeing a GP. Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team.”

Launched in 2024, the Pharmacy First initiative by NHS England empowers community pharmacies to manage treatment plans for seven common conditions. This program aims to alleviate the strain on GP surgeries by diverting less urgent cases, while simultaneously offering patients a more accessible route to trustworthy healthcare.

The service encompasses seven specific conditions, allowing pharmacists to offer treatment without needing a GP referral. However, it’s important to note that treatment options may differ based on a patient’s age. For example, under the Pharmacy First scheme, shingles treatment is currently available only for adults aged 18 and over, although this policy might evolve for other health conditions.

• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Infected insect bite
• Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

The Department of Health and Social Care in 2024 further clarified, “You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy or contacting them virtually. GP receptionists, NHS 111, and emergency care providers will also be able to direct patients to pharmacies, that offer the service, if contacted.” This initiative not only streamlines healthcare but also empowers patients with more immediate access to necessary treatments.

In 2024, the Department of Health and Social Care also explained: “You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy or contacting them virtually. GP receptionists, NHS 111 and providers of emergency care will also be able to direct patients to pharmacies, that offer the service, if contacted.”

It also added: “The pharmacist will be able to speak to you privately in a separate consultation room. They may perform an examination or ask to access your medical records.

“The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best course of action on an individual patient basis, including by issuing prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals where necessary.”

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also offer their own Pharmacy First schemes. You can find out more about Pharmacy First Scotland by clicking here, Pharmacy First Wales here and Pharmacy First Northern Ireland here.

Furthermore, the NHS provides a 111 service for urgent medical guidance that operates around the clock, every day of the year, including Christmas and Boxing Day. Accessing it is usually free from both landlines and mobiles, and you can alternatively use the NHS App or website to reach the service.

Upon contact, their healthcare professionals will evaluate your circumstances and, where required, put you in touch with a nurse, doctor, or paramedic. You may be signposted to an urgent treatment centre, an out-of-hours GP service, your usual GP during standard hours, or the closest A&E department.

Nevertheless, the service clarifies that it is unable to carry out certain tasks:

• Issue fit notes – you need to contact your GP
• Make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS

Whilst NHS 111 operates throughout the UK, the online platform is only accessible in England and is designed for individuals aged five and above. Those living in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland should utilise their regional online services or telephone 111 to access the relevant support service.

Online guidance from the NHS explains: “If your symptoms mean you need a callback from a nurse, you will be offered one and given a timeframe. You cannot request a callback. 111 online users or people who have called 111 go into the same callback queue and the waiting times are the same.”

It also adds: “111 online has about 120 topics, covering most common symptoms. We can triage one symptom at a time. If you have multiple symptoms, pick the one that is bothering you most. We cannot give advice about conditions you already know you have.”

If you are deaf but need to contact 111 by phone, you can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service. You can also dial 18001 111 through the Relay UK app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, or use a traditional textphone if you face difficulties communicating.

However, if you believe you are in a life-threatening situation or facing a serious issue, calling 999 is still the best option. This helpline is specifically for emergencies like road traffic accidents, strokes, and heart attacks.

The NHS adds: “Calling 999 does not always mean an ambulance will be sent. You might be told it’s safe for you to make your own way to A&E, or to be seen elsewhere.”

To learn more about how 111 works, visit the NHS website here.