Feeling unwell and not sure whether you need to see your GP? NHS Pharmacy First may be able to help.
At The Village Pharmacy, our trained pharmacists can assess and provide advice for seven common conditions, with treatment available where needed. You can access the service directly from our Writtle pharmacy without needing a GP appointment first.
For families and patients across Writtle, Chelmsford and the surrounding area, it is another simple way to get NHS care close to home.
[Book a Pharmacy First Consultation]
What Is NHS Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows community pharmacists to assess and support patients with a number of common health conditions. Instead of automatically needing to see a GP, you can speak directly to a trained pharmacist. They will ask about your symptoms, carry out relevant checks and explain the best next step.
Depending on your symptoms, this may be self-care advice, an over-the-counter option, NHS treatment, or referral to another healthcare service. You can contact or visit us directly for one of the seven Pharmacy First conditions. You do not need a GP referral first.
Which Conditions Can Pharmacy First Help With?
The NHS Pharmacy First service currently covers seven common conditions, with different age criteria for each.
Sinusitis
If you are aged 12 or over, Pharmacy First can provide an assessment for symptoms of sinusitis, such as facial pain or pressure, a blocked nose and reduced sense of smell. Your pharmacist will talk through your symptoms and advise on the most suitable next step.
Read more about sinusitis and Pharmacy First.
Sore Throat
Pharmacy First covers sore throats in people aged 5 and over. Your pharmacist can assess your symptoms, offer advice and recommend treatment where needed.
Read more about sore throats and Pharmacy First.
Earache in Children
Children and young people aged 1 to 17 can be assessed through Pharmacy First for acute otitis media, a type of middle-ear infection that can cause earache. We know ear pain can be worrying, particularly when a child is uncomfortable or unable to sleep. Your pharmacist can examine the ear and explain what to do next.
Infected Insect Bites
Pharmacy First can support patients aged 1 and over with insect bites showing signs of infection. Your pharmacist can look at the affected area, ask about the symptoms and advise whether treatment or further medical support is needed.
Impetigo
Patients aged 1 and over can access Pharmacy First for impetigo, a contagious skin infection that often causes red sores or blisters followed by crusty patches of skin. Your pharmacist can assess the skin and discuss appropriate treatment and care.
Read more about impetigo and Pharmacy First.
Shingles
Adults aged 18 and over can access the Pharmacy First pathway for shingles. If you have a painful or tingling rash that you think may be shingles, speak to our pharmacy team. It is important to seek advice promptly if you think you may have shingles, as some treatments work best when started early.
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Pharmacy First covers uncomplicated lower UTIs in eligible women aged 16 to 64. Symptoms can include a burning sensation when passing urine, needing to urinate more often or discomfort in the lower abdomen. Your pharmacist will ask questions to check whether the Pharmacy First pathway is suitable and advise on treatment where appropriate.
Read more about UTI support through Pharmacy First.
How the Pharmacy First Consultation Works
A Pharmacy First consultation is designed to be straightforward. Your pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, any medicines you take and other relevant health information. They may also need to carry out a simple examination, depending on the condition.
From there, they will explain what they recommend. This could include:
- advice on managing your symptoms at home
- an over-the-counter treatment
- an NHS medicine where appropriate
- referral to a GP or another healthcare service
You will also have time to ask questions, so you leave knowing what to do next.
After the consultation, the pharmacy will update your GP health record with the relevant information about the advice or treatment you received.
[Book a Pharmacy First Consultation]
Is Pharmacy First Free and Who Can Use It?
The Pharmacy First consultation is NHS-funded, so there is no charge for the assessment. If your pharmacist supplies a medicine through the NHS service, the usual NHS prescription charges apply unless you are exempt. If an over-the-counter product is recommended outside the NHS pathway, you may need to purchase it in the usual way.
You must also meet the age and other criteria for the relevant Pharmacy First pathway. If you are unsure whether the service covers you or your child, our pharmacy team can help you check.
When You May Be Referred to a GP or Urgent Care
Pharmacy First is there to make getting help with common conditions easier, but sometimes another healthcare service will be the better place for you.
If your symptoms fall outside the Pharmacy First pathway, are more severe than expected or suggest that you need further assessment, your pharmacist will explain this and guide you to the right service.
This may mean contacting your GP, NHS 111 or an urgent care service. Don’t worry if you don’t know the right route before speaking to us. If Pharmacy First is not suitable, our team can still help you understand where to go next.
Visit The Village Pharmacy for Pharmacy First
When you or someone in your family feels unwell, having somewhere local to ask for advice can make things a little easier.
The Village Pharmacy provides NHS Pharmacy First consultations for patients across Writtle, Chelmsford and nearby communities from our pharmacy.
The Village Pharmacy
52 The Green
Writtle
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 3DU
Telephone: 01245 422357
You can contact or visit the pharmacy directly for Pharmacy First. Booking ahead can also help you check availability before travelling.
You can book a consultation online, explore our other NHS and private pharmacy services or find more information about our Writtle pharmacy.
[Book a Pharmacy First Consultation]
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for Pharmacy First?
You do not need to see your GP or get a GP referral before accessing the seven Pharmacy First clinical pathways. You can contact or visit The Village Pharmacy directly. Availability can vary, so you may prefer to book ahead or call our team before visiting.
Is the NHS Pharmacy First service free?
Yes. The Pharmacy First consultation itself is NHS-funded. If medicine is supplied, normal NHS prescription charges and exemptions apply. Over-the-counter products may also need to be purchased separately.
What conditions can Pharmacy First treat?
Pharmacy First currently covers seven common conditions: sinusitis, sore throat, acute ear infections in children, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated UTIs in women. Each condition has its own age and eligibility criteria.
Can a pharmacist supply prescription-only medicine through Pharmacy First?
Yes. Pharmacists can supply certain prescription-only medicines through Pharmacy First when they are appropriate for the condition and your symptoms. This does not mean every consultation will result in medication. Sometimes advice, self-care or another form of treatment will be the better option.
What are the age limits for each Pharmacy First condition?
The current age ranges are:
- Sinusitis: 12 years and over
- Sore throat: 5 years and over
- Ear infection: 1 to 17 years
- Infected insect bites: 1 year and over
- Impetigo: 1 year and over
- Shingles: 18 years and over
- Uncomplicated UTI: women aged 16 to 64
Our pharmacy team can help if you are unsure which pathway applies.
What happens if my symptoms are not covered by the scheme?
You can still speak to our pharmacy team. If Pharmacy First is not the right service for your symptoms, your pharmacist can offer general advice and help you understand whether you should contact your GP, NHS 111 or another healthcare service.
When should I contact a GP, NHS 111 or emergency services instead?
If your symptoms are severe, getting worse quickly or fall outside the Pharmacy First service, you may need another form of medical care.
For urgent advice, contact NHS 111. For a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.
If you are unsure and your symptoms are not an emergency, speak to our pharmacy team and we can help point you in the right direction.
[Book a Pharmacy First Consultation]
