Age 1-17
Earache
Assessment and advice for eligible children and young people with earache or suspected acute otitis media.
NHS serviceNo GP appointment needed
NHS Pharmacy First in Swindon
FreeNHS consultation · walk in or book
Get NHS advice and treatment for common conditions without waiting for a GP appointment. Both of our pharmacies are led by an Independent Prescriber, so you're seen by someone qualified to assess and treat.
Independent Prescriber-led
Often seen the same day
Walk in or book online
GP and NHS 111 referrals welcome
Treatment is supplied where clinically appropriate, following assessment. Same-day appointments are subject to prescriber availability.
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.
Getting seen
Four ways to see us
However you reach us, the consultation is free and there is no charge if Pharmacy First turns out not to be suitable.
Just walk in
No appointment needed. Come into Clive Parade or Moredon and ask for Pharmacy First — we'll see you as soon as a pharmacist is free.
Book online
Pick a time that suits you and we'll have a consultation room ready.
Referred by your GP
Many Swindon surgeries can refer you straight to us for a minor illness consultation, often the same day. If you're struggling to get a GP appointment, ask them about a pharmacy referral.
Sent by NHS 111
NHS 111 can also refer you to a community pharmacy. If they send you to us, we'll already have your details.
Struggling to get a GP appointment?
Ask your surgery whether they can refer you to us. Many Swindon practices refer patients straight to a community pharmacy for minor illness — often the same day, and without you needing to wait for a GP slot. If you're not sure, give us a ring and we'll talk you through it.
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.
Age 12+
Sinusitis
Support for sinus pain, pressure, congestion and symptoms that may be suitable for Pharmacy First.
Age 1+
Infected insect bite
Assessment for bites that are red, swollen, painful or possibly infected.
Age 1+
Impetigo
Advice and treatment pathway for suspected impetigo where suitable under NHS criteria.
Age 18+
Shingles
Assessment for painful blistering rash that may be shingles, with timing and eligibility checked.
Women 16-64
Uncomplicated UTI
Assessment for eligible women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection symptoms.
Book your Pharmacy First appointment
Choose a time that suits you, or just walk in — either works. Your appointment is confirmed with our pharmacy team.
Independent Prescriber-led
Assessment, advice and treatment where appropriate — all under one roof.
Meet your prescribing pharmacist
Seen by a prescriber, not sent away
Both of our Swindon pharmacies are led by an Independent Prescriber. That means your consultation is with someone qualified to assess your symptoms, check eligibility, review red flags and — where it is clinically appropriate — treat you there and then.
Asim Iqbal
Independent Pharmacist Prescriber & Superintendent Pharmacist
GPhC registered (2225229), with prescribing experience across minor illness and acute infection management. Consultations are private, unhurried and always come with clear safety-netting advice.
GPhC registered
Prescriber-led assessment
Clear referral advice
NHS and private care experience
How it works
A simple route to NHS support
Come in, get assessed, and leave with advice or treatment where it is appropriate.
1
Walk in or book
Come into either pharmacy, book online, or ask your GP surgery to refer you.
2
Pharmacist assessment
We check your symptoms, age, medical history and whether Pharmacy First is suitable.
3
Treatment if suitable
NHS treatment may be supplied where clinically appropriate, at no cost to you.
4
Follow-up advice
You leave with 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. Please don't wait for a pharmacy appointment if any of these apply.
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 a pharmacy consultation.
Red flags
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe one-sided throat pain, a stiff neck, confusion, a non-blanching rash, facial swelling, spreading infection, or feeling very unwell all need urgent review.
This page does 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.
Do I need an appointment?
No. You can walk into either pharmacy and ask for Pharmacy First, or book online if you would rather have a set time. We see people as soon as a pharmacist is free.
Can my GP refer me?
Yes. Many Swindon GP surgeries can refer patients directly to a community pharmacy for a minor illness consultation, often the same day. If you are struggling to get a GP appointment, it is worth asking the surgery whether a pharmacy referral is appropriate.
How long does it take?
Many assessments can be completed on the same day, depending on prescriber and 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.
What treatment can the pharmacist supply?
Treatment is only supplied when clinically appropriate and in line with NHS Pharmacy First criteria. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and explain the safest option, which is not always a medicine.
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. There is no charge either way.
Need help with a common condition today?
Walk into either pharmacy, book online, or ask your GP surgery to refer you. The NHS consultation is free.