What Is Pharmacy First and How Does It Work?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that lets you get advice and treatment for certain common conditions directly from a pharmacist — often without needing a GP appointment. Here's how it works at our Swindon pharmacies.
What Pharmacy First covers
Where it's clinically appropriate, a pharmacist can assess and help with several common conditions, including:
- Sore throat
- Earache (in children aged 1–17)
- Sinus problems
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Urinary symptoms in women aged 16–64
How it works
You can speak to our pharmacist about your symptoms, often without an appointment. You'll have a private consultation and a clinical assessment, and where it's appropriate we can provide NHS treatment and advice. If your symptoms need a different service, we'll help you find the right next step.
Is it free, and who's eligible?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service and is free for eligible patients. Whether you can be treated depends on your symptoms, a pharmacist assessment and NHS eligibility — our pharmacist will confirm this with you.
Pharmacist, GP or NHS 111?
For the common conditions above, a pharmacist is often the quickest first port of call. For ongoing, unusual or more serious symptoms, your GP or NHS 111 may be more appropriate. In an emergency, always call 999.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pharmacy First free?
Yes — for eligible patients, Pharmacy First consultations are provided free of charge under the NHS.
Do I need an appointment?
Not always. You can speak to a pharmacist without an appointment for many common conditions, though booking ahead can reduce waiting.
Will I be given antibiotics?
Only where it's clinically appropriate after an assessment. The pharmacist will explain what's suitable for your symptoms, which may not include antibiotics.
Can I bring my child?
Yes — some conditions, such as earache, are covered for children. The pharmacist will confirm whether the service is suitable.
What if Pharmacy First isn't right for me?
We'll help you find the right next step, whether that's your GP, NHS 111 or another service.
Swindon Health Hub Pharmacy Team
Pharmacy Team
The Swindon Health Hub pharmacy team brings together pharmacists and trained healthcare staff across our Clive Parade and Moredon branches. Our articles are written by the team and, where they cover clinical topics, medically reviewed by our Superintendent Pharmacist.
Related articles
Prescriptions & MedicinesHow to Nominate a Pharmacy for Your Prescriptions
Nominating a pharmacy means your repeat prescriptions come to us electronically, ready to collect or have delivered. Here's how to do it — no GP visit needed.
Read more
Travel HealthTravel Vaccinations for India: A Practical Guide
Heading to India to visit family or explore? Here are the vaccinations often recommended, malaria advice, and when to book your travel consultation.
Read moreFeeling unwell? See a pharmacist today
NHS Pharmacy First lets our pharmacists assess and treat common conditions — often the same day, without a GP appointment.