What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS England service that allows patients to get fast, expert treatment for common conditions directly from our qualified pharmacist โ without needing to see a GP.
We can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help. We may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for certain conditions, without you needing to see a GP. This service frees up vital GP appointments for those who need them most.
At 365Med Online Pharmacy, our GPhC-registered pharmacists are fully trained and accredited to deliver Pharmacy First consultations. Get in touch today and we will assess and treat you quickly and professionally.
Why choose our pharmacy?
- GPhC-registered, NHS-accredited pharmacists
- Fast consultations โ usually same day
- Prescriptions issued on the spot where eligible
- Free for NHS prescription-exempt patients
- Confidential, professional consultations
- Can refer to your GP or A&E if needed
- Available in-pharmacy or by telephone
The 7 Conditions We Treat
Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess and treat the following 6 conditions remotely. Click any condition to see full details, symptoms, and who is eligible.
Sinusitis
Age 12+Sinusitis is the painful swelling of the sinus cavities, commonly triggered by an infection. Although a common ailment, it typically resolves within a month. However, if symptoms persist, our pharmacist can prescribe medication to aid in a speedier recovery.
🔍 Symptoms
- Facial pain or pressure (particularly around the cheeks and forehead)
- Blocked or runny nose with thick yellow/green discharge
- Headache, high temperature, and feeling unwell
- Reduced sense of smell
⏰ Eligibility
Age 12 and over. The pharmacist will assess whether your sinusitis is likely to be bacterial (and therefore may benefit from antibiotics) or viral (where self-care is advised).
💊 Pharmacist Treatment
- Clinical assessment using validated scoring tools
- Antibiotics prescribed if bacterial infection is indicated
- Advice on steam inhalation, saline sprays, and pain relief
- Referral to GP or urgent care if needed
Sore Throat
Age 5+Sore throats are a frequent occurrence, but usually not a cause for concern. With time, they typically resolve on their own, lasting no longer than a week. However, our pharmacist can assess whether antibiotic treatment may help you recover faster.
🔍 Symptoms
- Pain or irritation in the throat, especially when swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils โ sometimes with white patches or pus
- High temperature, headache, and swollen glands in the neck
- Loss of voice or hoarseness
⏰ Eligibility
Age 5 and over. The pharmacist will use the FeverPAIN or Centor scoring system to assess whether antibiotics are likely to help.
💊 Pharmacist Treatment
- FeverPAIN clinical assessment score recorded
- Antibiotics prescribed for high-score bacterial sore throats
- Advice on pain relief, staying hydrated, and throat sprays/lozenges
- Safety-netting โ when to return or seek further help
Infected Insect Bite
Age 1+Patients aged one year and over who have an infected insect bite can receive support from our pharmacist. If you have been bitten and the bite area is red, itchy, tender or swollen, contact 365Med today โ we can assess you remotely and prescribe treatment where appropriate.
🔍 Symptoms of Infection
- Increasing redness or swelling around the bite site
- Warmth or tenderness to the touch
- Pus or discharge from the bite
- Red streaks spreading from the bite (seek urgent help)
- High temperature or feeling generally unwell
⏰ Eligibility
Age 1 and over. The bite must show signs of bacterial infection rather than a normal reaction. The pharmacist will assess the wound and decide whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate.
💊 Pharmacist Treatment
- Wound assessment and infection scoring
- Topical or oral antibiotics prescribed as appropriate
- Advice on wound care and preventing spread
- Urgent referral if red streaks or systemic signs are present
Impetigo
Age 1+Impetigo is a skin infection that's very contagious but not usually serious. It often gets better in 7 to 10 days if you get treatment. Anyone can get it, but it's very common in young children. Our pharmacist can prescribe the right treatment to clear it quickly.
🔍 Symptoms
- Red sores or blisters, usually around the nose and mouth (but can appear anywhere)
- Sores that burst and leave behind honey-coloured, crusted patches
- Itching or discomfort around affected areas
- Swollen glands in severe cases
⏰ Eligibility
Age 1 and over. The pharmacist will assess whether the impetigo is localised (mild) or widespread and prescribe accordingly. Children should be kept off school until the sores have healed or 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
💊 Pharmacist Treatment
- Visual assessment and clinical scoring of impetigo severity
- Topical antibiotic (e.g. fusidic acid or hydrogen peroxide cream) for mild cases
- Oral antibiotics for widespread or severe impetigo
- Hygiene advice to prevent spreading to others
Shingles
Age 18+Shingles is a viral infection that manifests as a painful rash, affecting people of all ages but more commonly seen in older adults. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and can leave lasting nerve pain if not treated promptly. Early treatment is essential.
🔍 Symptoms
- Tingling, burning, or shooting pain on one side of the body โ often before the rash appears
- A red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
- Blisters forming a band or stripe, usually on the torso, face, or neck
- High temperature, headache, and sensitivity to light
⏰ Eligibility
Adults aged 18 and over. Treatment is most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing โ do not delay seeking help. Older adults and immunocompromised patients are at higher risk of complications.
💊 Pharmacist Treatment
- Clinical diagnosis and assessment of rash severity
- Antiviral medication prescribed (e.g. aciclovir or valaciclovir) to shorten the illness
- Pain management advice (appropriate analgesia)
- Advice on preventing spread to vulnerable contacts
- Urgent referral if rash involves the eye or face
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Women 16โ64Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women have a shorter urethra than men, which is why UTIs are far more common in women. Uncomplicated UTIs can now be treated directly by our pharmacist under Pharmacy First.
🔍 Symptoms
- A burning or stinging sensation when urinating
- A frequent urge to urinate, even when little urine is passed
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back
- Feeling generally unwell or having a mild temperature
⏰ Eligibility
Women aged 16โ64 with an uncomplicated UTI. The pharmacist will check that symptoms are consistent with a simple lower UTI and that there are no complicating factors (pregnancy, kidney involvement, recurrent UTIs, or immunosuppression) that would require GP referral.
💊 Pharmacist Treatment
- Assessment using validated clinical criteria
- Antibiotic prescription for confirmed uncomplicated UTIs
- Advice on hydration, cranberry products, and hygiene
- Referral to GP if symptoms suggest a kidney infection or complications
How It Works
Getting treated through Pharmacy First is simple, fast, and free for eligible patients. Here's what to expect.
Come in or contact us
Visit us in pharmacy, call us, or get in touch online. No appointment or GP referral is needed. Simply tell us your symptoms.
Private consultation
Our pharmacist will conduct a confidential consultation, asking about your symptoms, medical history, and any other medicines you take.
Clinical assessment
Using NHS-approved clinical pathways and scoring tools, our pharmacist will assess your condition and decide the best course of action.
Treatment or referral
Where appropriate, the pharmacist will prescribe and dispense treatment immediately. If a GP or hospital is needed, we will refer you with full notes.
Pharmacy First is free for patients who are exempt from NHS prescription charges โ including children under 16, people over 60, those on certain benefits, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions. If you are not exempt, a standard prescription charge applies. Our pharmacist will advise you at the time of consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Pharmacy First is a walk-in service โ you do not need a GP referral, a letter, or an appointment. Simply come into the pharmacy or call us and we will assess you directly.
The consultation itself is always free. If you are exempt from NHS prescription charges (e.g. under 16, over 60, pregnant, on certain benefits), any prescribed medicine is also free. If you pay for NHS prescriptions, the standard charge applies. Our pharmacist will let you know before proceeding.
Yes. Under Pharmacy First, our pharmacists are authorised to prescribe a limited range of antibiotics and antivirals for the 6 eligible conditions. This is done only when clinically indicated โ the pharmacist will follow NHS clinical pathways to decide whether a prescription is appropriate.
If the pharmacist decides that your condition requires a GP assessment, specialist referral, or emergency treatment, they will arrange this for you and provide a full summary of the consultation. You will never be left without direction.
Currently, NHS Pharmacy First is available in England only. Scotland has its own Minor Ailments Service, and Wales has the Common Ailment Service. Patients in Northern Ireland should check with their local pharmacy for equivalent services.
Yes โ where you have provided your NHS number or GP details, a summary of your Pharmacy First consultation will be sent to your GP practice. This keeps your medical records up to date and ensures continuity of care.
Yes, for several conditions. Children can be treated for infected insect bites (age 1+), impetigo (age 1+), and sore throat (age 5+) through our online pharmacy. A parent or guardian should be present for consultations involving children under 16. Children under 16 are automatically exempt from prescription charges.