Community pharmacy teams can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and conditions such as colds, tummy trouble, allergies and aches and pains. In some cases, a pharmacist will also be able to carry out medication reviews for medicine you take.
Many pharmacies are open in the evenings, at weekends, and on bank holidays. Most have private consultation rooms so you can speak confidentially.
Find a pharmacy near youAll pharmacists are part of the NHS, they train for a minimum of five years and are experts in medicines use and providing health and wellbeing advice.
Find out more how pharmacies can helpTreatment from a pharmacist – Pharmacy First
Pharmacists can suggest treatments that do not need a prescription for a range of conditions. Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First.
Conditions they can offer prescription medicine for are:
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice and support decisions about self care treatment with over the counter medicines, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.
If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other health professional if needed. They will also update your GP health record, but your information will not be shared with anyone else.
Most pharmacies can provide prescription medicine for these conditions but contact them before visiting to check.
You do not need an appointment, and you can speak to the pharmacist privately.