Pharmacies (chemists)

Pharmacies (or chemists) can give expert advice on minor health problems and illnesses. They can also recommend over-the-counter medicines (medicines you can buy without a prescription). 

You don’t need an appointment and many are open late and at weekends.  

Many local pharmacies can now treat some common health problems and provide prescription medicine if needed – with no need for a GP appointment. This is called Pharmacy First 

If you’re prescribed a medicine to treat a long-term condition for the first time, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through the free New Medicine Service. 

People who don’t pay prescription charges, including children under 16, may be able to get over-the-counter medicine for free for their local pharmacy through the Minor Ailment Scheme. 

Some of the things pharmacists can help with are: 

• Coughs, colds and sore throats 
• Tummy upsets 
• Aches and pains 
• Skin rashes 
• Baby teething 
• Emergency contraception (not provided by all pharmacies) 
• Free blood pressure checks 

Find a pharmacy near you 

Pharmacy First service 

Many local pharmacies can now treat some common health problems and provide prescription medicine if needed – with no need for a GP appointment.  

You can go to your pharmacy first if you think you might have: 

• Earache (aged one to 17 years)  
• Impetigo (aged one year and over)  
• Infected insect bites (aged one year and over)  
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over)  
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)  
• Sore throat (aged five years and over)  
• Urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years) 

Information from your consultation with a pharmacist will be added to the health record held by your GP practice.  

You may be asked to attend your local pharmacy for treatment by another health service such as NHS 111 or your GP practice 

Find out more about Pharmacy First 

Unwanted medicine 

If your medicine is out of date, unwanted or some of it is left over after you’ve stopped taking it, don’t put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely. 

New Medicine Service  

The New Medicine Service is a free NHS service from your local pharmacy. It helps people who have just started taking medicine for a long-term condition. The pharmacist checks in with you, answers questions, and makes sure the medicine is working well. This support helps people take their medicine correctly and stay healthier. 

Find out more about the New Medicine Service here. 

Minor Ailment Scheme 

Everyone can go to their pharmacist for advice or to buy medicine for a minor illness or injury 

People who don’t pay prescription charges, including children under 16, may be able to get over-the-counter medicine for free through the NHS Minor Ailment Scheme. 

Not all pharmacies offer the Minor Ailment Scheme so you will need to ask if your pharmacy is signed up. 

NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

A PPC could save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions. The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. You will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.

To find out more and to check if you are eligible, visit the NHS website.