NHS Pharmacy First
Do you find it difficult getting in to see your GP? Good news!
We now take part in the Pharmacy First scheme and can give you advice about common ailments and even issue over the counter medication for free if needed.
Many patients visit their doctor suffering from “minor ailments”. These are defined as short term illnesses that are self-limiting, last a short time and the patient will get better in a few days. Colds, sore throats, headaches, diarrhoea, constipation and hay fever are typical minor ailments.
How it works?
If you are exempt from prescription charges then you can access this service which can give you over-the-counter medicines for free rather than you needing to see a GP to receive the medication on prescription.
Upon visiting the pharmacy you will be asked some questions and, if appropriate, supplied with medicines to treat the condition. This is a FREE service. Other advice will be offered as needed. If the pharmacist believes the symptoms are not “minor” you can be referred to the doctor.
The aim of the service is for patients to be treated without having to visit their doctor and take up one of their valuable appointment slots. There are limits to how many times each patient can access the service a year.
We hope that this service will reduce the number of people seeking treatment via a prescription from their GP or out of hours (OOH) provider, or via a walk-in centre or accident and emergency.
Patients can register to access the service at the pharmacy and the patients’ GP practice will be notified of any intervention via a secure email.
Conditions include:
- Acute cough
- Acute fever
- Acute pain/earache/headache/temperature
- Athlete’s foot Bites and stings
- Cold sores Colds/flu/congestion
- Constipation
- Cystitis
- Diarrhoea
- Dry skin (simple eczema)
- Dermatitis/allergic type rashes
- Earache
- Earwax
- Hayfever
- Heartburn/indigestion
- Haemorrhoids
- Infant decongestant
- Mouth ulcers
- Nappy rash
- Oral thrush
- Scabies
- Sore throat
- Sprains and strains
- Sunburn
- Threadworms
- Vaginal thrush
- Warts and verrucas