As of May 2026, NHS England has expanded the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme, allowing patients to bypass GP waiting rooms for seven common medical issues. Under these rules, high-street pharmacists can now provide clinical assessments and prescribe prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, where clinically appropriate.
This initiative is designed to free up millions of GP appointments every year, ensuring that patients with minor ailments receive immediate care while surgeries focus on complex cases. The service is available at the vast majority of community pharmacies across England, with no prior appointment necessary.
The 7 conditions and eligibility criteria
To access treatment through Pharmacy First, patients must meet specific age requirements for each condition. The following table outlines the medical issues pharmacists can now manage directly:
| Condition | Age Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Sinusitis | Adults and children aged 12 years and over |
| Sore throat | Adults and children aged 5 years and over |
| Earache (Acute otitis media) | Children aged 1 year to 17 years |
| Infected insect bites | Adults and children aged 1 year and over |
| Impetigo | Adults and children aged 1 year and over |
| Shingles | Adults aged 18 years and over |
| Uncomplicated UTIs | Women aged 16 to 64 years |
How the pharmacy consultation works
When you visit a pharmacy for one of these conditions, you will be offered a private consultation with a pharmacist. This usually takes place in a dedicated consultation room to ensure confidentiality.
The pharmacist will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and any current medications. If the pharmacist determines that your condition requires a prescription-only medicine, such as an antibiotic or an antiviral cream, they can issue it on the spot. If your symptoms are more severe or do not fit the Pharmacy First criteria, the pharmacist will refer you to a GP or an Urgent Care Centre.
Impact on local surgeries and costs
The expansion of this service is a key part of the NHS Primary Care Recovery Plan. By shifting these seven conditions to community pharmacies, the NHS aims to reduce the pressure on local surgeries, potentially shortening wait times for patients who require a face-to-face appointment with a doctor.
There is no charge for the consultation itself. If you are normally exempt from prescription charges, your medication will be free. If you usually pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription levy will apply to any medicine dispensed.
Accessing the service
You do not need a referral from a doctor to use Pharmacy First. You can simply walk into a participating pharmacy or be referred by NHS 111 (online or via phone). If you are registered with a GP, the pharmacist will automatically update your medical record with the details of your consultation and any treatment provided to ensure continuity of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I now get prescription medicine from a pharmacist without seeing my GP?
The NHS Pharmacy First scheme was expanded to reduce the ‘8 am scramble’ for GP appointments by empowering pharmacists to act as clinical practitioners. Unlike the old system where pharmacists could only offer over-the-counter advice, they are now qualified to perform clinical assessments and issue prescription-only medicines (like antibiotics and antivirals) for seven specific conditions. This shift ensures you get immediate treatment for minor ailments while keeping GP slots free for patients with complex or chronic health needs.
How do I use this service and what should I bring with me to the pharmacy?
You can simply walk into any participating pharmacy in England—no referral or pre-booked appointment is necessary. To make the process smoother:
- State your condition clearly: Tell the counter staff you would like a ‘Pharmacy First consultation’ for one of the seven eligible issues.
- Bring your ID/NHS Number: While not always mandatory, it helps the pharmacist access your summary care record.
- Consultation: You will be seen in a private consultation room to discuss symptoms and medical history.
- Cost: The consultation is free. If medicine is prescribed, you will pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you are already exempt.
How does this change the way local residents access healthcare in England?
For local communities, this means significantly faster access to care, especially for parents and working professionals. Instead of waiting days for a GP callback for a child’s earache or an infected bite, you can receive a diagnosis and medication on your high street the same day. This initiative is expected to free up to 10 million GP appointments annually, directly improving local surgery availability for residents with more serious or long-term health concerns.
What happens if my symptoms are too severe or I don’t meet the age criteria?
If the pharmacist determines that your condition is clinically complex, falls outside the age limits (e.g., a child under 1 year with an earache), or shows ‘red flag’ symptoms, they will provide a seamless referral. They can electronically send your consultation notes directly to your GP or advise you to attend an Urgent Treatment Centre. Your GP is also automatically notified of any medicines the pharmacist prescribes, ensuring your central medical record is always kept up to date for future safety.
Source: NHS England
/linkComments