What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?
In 2024, the NHS launched a major transformation to try and make it easier for patients to access the care they need.
What is Pharmacy First?
The Pharmacy First Scheme means that patients across England can get prescription-only treatment for seven common conditions at their local high street pharmacy, without needing to see a GP.
This can include prescribing and supplying antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.
What can Pharmacy First treat?
Your local pharmacy can now supply prescription-only treatment, if they believe you need it, for the following conditions:
- Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1 year-17 years)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
- Impetigo (aged 1 year +)
- Shingles (aged 18 years+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
Pharmacy First is expanding
In September 2026, the NHS announced that participating pharmacies would begin offering treatment for five more conditions during late autumn 2026: acne, migraine, scabies, ear infections and rhinitis.
Availability will initially vary, so check with the pharmacy before visiting.
How does Pharmacy First work?
If you are feeling unwell with any of these conditions, you can go to your local participating pharmacy and ask for a private consultation with the pharmacist.
You may also be referred by a GP practice if they believe your pharmacy can help. The 111 helpline service may also refer you. Pharmacists can also offer this service on-the-spot if you go in asking generally for help.
Pharmacists may offer a virtual consultation by phone or video call, or in person in a private room in the pharmacy. They will ask questions, may perform an examination and must get your consent to access your medical records. The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best course of action based on your clinical needs. This might include issuing prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals where necessary or advising you on over-the-counter treatments that could help.
Find a pharmacy near you
The NHS has a service finder where you can find a pharmacy near you.
Find my nearest pharmacy
What are the benefits of the Pharmacy First scheme?
There are many benefits to the new scheme, helping to make care easier and more accessible. These benefits include:
- Participating pharmacies must offer the service during all their opening hours including any late nights or weekends.
- It may be quicker to see your pharmacist than waiting for an appointment with your GP.
- Pharmacy First – along with expanded Blood Pressure Check and Oral Contraception services at pharmacies – could, according to NHS estimates, free up to 10 million GP appointments a year.
How can my pharmacist supply a prescription-only medicine if they are not a doctor?
Pharmacists must follow a strict NHS protocol (called a ‘patient group direction’) covering their own required knowledge and skills the types of patients covered.
This means that the supply of prescription-only medicines will be limited in all cases by age groups, and in one case, by gender.
Will I have to pay for my advice or medication?
The appointment and advice from a pharmacist are free to access.
If you are recommended an over-the-counter medication, you will pay the costs of buying this.
If you are supplied with a prescription-only medication, usual prescription charges would apply unless you qualify for free prescriptions.
If you regularly require medication and are not exempt from prescription charges, you may be able to save money through a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). Find out what help you can get to pay for your prescriptions.
How do I know if my local pharmacy offers Pharmacy First?
Thousands of community pharmacies in England provide Pharmacy First but not every pharmacy offers every service. The best way to check what your local pharmacy offers id to contact it directly. Use the NHS pharmacy finder to find the contact details for pharmacies near you.
Can I get oral contraception without a prescription?
Participating pharmacies can provide oral contraception, sometimes called ‘the pill’, without you needing to get a prescription from your GP first. Depending on your circumstances, the pharmacy may be able to:
- start you on the contraceptive pill for the first time;
- restart the pill after a break;
- carry out routine checks and provide further supplies;
- or provide oral emergency contraception, sometimes called the morning-after pill
The pharmacist will offer a confidential consultation to discuss your current medication and ensure it is the best option for your needs.
Oral contraception is free on the NHS, and you will not be charged any prescription charges.
To find a local pharmacy offering this service – check out the NHS website.
Can I still see my GP?
You can still choose to visit your GP if you prefer. Pharmacy First simply offers an alternative route for getting treatment for these specific conditions.
