Age 1-17
Earache
Assessment and advice for eligible children and young people with earache or suspected acute otitis media.
Check suitabilityNHS serviceSame-day support
NHS Pharmacy First in Swindon
Get NHS advice and treatment for common conditions without waiting for a GP appointment. Our pharmacy team can assess symptoms and supply treatment where clinically appropriate.
Free NHS consultation where eligibleTreatment supplied if clinically appropriate.
Same-day appointments
Independent Prescribing Pharmacist
NHS funded
Walk in or book online
Common conditions we can assess
NHS Pharmacy First pathways
EaracheAge 1-17
Sore throatAge 5+
SinusitisAge 12+
Infected insect biteAge 1+
ImpetigoAge 1+
ShinglesAge 18+
Uncomplicated UTIWomen 16-64
Your pharmacist will check symptoms, age, medical history and whether Pharmacy First is suitable.
Conditions we treat
Common conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First
These services are subject to NHS eligibility, age ranges and pharmacist assessment.
Age 5+
Sore throat
Pharmacist assessment for sore throat symptoms, with treatment supplied where clinically appropriate.
Check suitabilityAge 12+
Sinusitis
Support for sinus pain, pressure, congestion and symptoms that may be suitable for Pharmacy First.
Check suitabilityAge 1+
Infected insect bite
Assessment for bites that are red, swollen, painful or possibly infected.
Check suitabilityAge 1+
Impetigo
Advice and treatment pathway for suspected impetigo where suitable under NHS criteria.
Check suitabilityAge 18+
Shingles
Assessment for painful blistering rash that may be shingles, with timing and eligibility checked.
Check suitabilityWomen 16-64
Uncomplicated UTI
Assessment for eligible women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection symptoms.
Check suitabilityAI symptom navigator
Not sure if Pharmacy First is right for you?
Answer a few questions and we'll guide you towards Pharmacy First, another pharmacy service, GP/NHS 111 or urgent care where appropriate.
Pharmacy First navigator
Find the right route for your symptoms
Answer a few questions and we will guide you towards Pharmacy First, another pharmacy service, GP/NHS 111 or urgent care where appropriate.
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Question 1
Please answer this question to continue.
Book your Pharmacy First appointment
Choose a time that suits you. Your appointment is confirmed with our pharmacy team.
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Meet your prescribing pharmacist
Independent Prescriber-led care
Your consultation is led by a trained pharmacy professional who will assess your symptoms, check NHS eligibility, review any red flags and explain the safest next step.
Asim Iqbal
Independent Pharmacist Prescriber & Superintendent Pharmacist
GPhC registered pharmacist with prescribing experience across minor illness and acute infection management. Consultations are handled professionally, safely and with clear safety-netting advice.
GPhC registered
Prescriber-led assessment
Clear referral advice
NHS & private care experience
How it works
A simple route to NHS support
Use the symptom checker, book an appointment and receive pharmacist-led advice with treatment supplied where appropriate.
1
Complete symptom checker
Answer a few questions so we can guide you towards the right service.
2
Book appointment
Choose a convenient appointment or contact the pharmacy team directly.
3
Pharmacist assessment
A trained pharmacist checks symptoms, age, medical history and eligibility.
4
Treatment if suitable
NHS treatment may be supplied where clinically appropriate.
5
Follow-up advice
You receive safety-netting advice and clear next steps if symptoms change.
Safety advice
When Pharmacy First may not be suitable
Some symptoms need urgent help or a different clinical route.
Call 999
For life-threatening symptoms such as severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, signs of stroke, collapse, or severe allergic reaction.
Use NHS 111
For urgent medical help that is not an emergency, especially if symptoms are severe, worsening or you are unsure what to do.
Children under 2
Children under 2 usually need GP, NHS 111 or urgent clinical advice rather than Pharmacy First online routing.
Red flags
Severe pain, confusion, non-blanching rash, facial swelling, blood in urine, flank pain with fever or being very unwell need urgent review.
This page and symptom navigator do not diagnose conditions or replace emergency care. If symptoms are severe, worsening rapidly, or you feel very unwell, seek urgent medical advice.
Common questions
Pharmacy First FAQs
Is Pharmacy First free?
Yes. NHS Pharmacy First consultations are NHS funded where the patient is eligible. Any treatment supplied under the NHS pathway is provided according to NHS rules and clinical suitability.
How long does it take?
Many assessments can be completed on the same day, depending on pharmacist availability and how busy the pharmacy is. Some cases may need referral to a GP, NHS 111 or urgent care.
Do I still need my GP?
For many common conditions, Pharmacy First means you may not need a GP appointment. However, if symptoms are outside the pathway or there are red flags, the pharmacist may advise GP, NHS 111 or urgent medical care.
Can I get antibiotics?
Antibiotics are only supplied when clinically appropriate and in line with NHS Pharmacy First criteria. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and explain the safest option.
What happens if I do not qualify?
If Pharmacy First is not suitable, we will explain why and guide you to the right next step, such as self-care, another pharmacy service, your GP, NHS 111 or urgent care.
Need help with a common condition today?
Check your symptoms, book an appointment or contact your local Swindon Health Hub pharmacy for NHS Pharmacy First support.