What is Pharmacy First?

The NHS Pharmacy First service allows children to access treatment for five common conditions from their local pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment. The aim is to make it easier for people to get the help they need and free up millions of GP appointments.

Can I go to a pharmacy when my child is ill?

Through the Pharmacy First service, children can receive NHS treatment, including antibiotics where appropriate. You can simply go to your local pharmacy and request a consultation for your child. If further treatment is needed, the pharmacy team will let you know the best place to get treatment for your child.

What childhood conditions can Pharmacy First treat?

Children can get treatment for five common conditions, including:

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • Impetigo is a skin infection that's very contagious, it usually starts with red sores or blisters that burst and often leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • An infected insect bite looks worse than a typical one, showing increased swelling, redness, pain, and warmth around the bite.
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • An earache is pain or discomfort in one or both ears, commonly caused by ear infections from colds or flu, but also by other issues like earwax buildup, toothache, or objects in the ear.
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • You do not normally need antibiotics for a sore throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
  • You'll only be given antibiotics by a pharmacist or GP if you could have a bacterial infection. You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat.
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. 

Where is my nearest Pharmacy First pharmacy?

You can see what pharmacies in the Black County offer the Pharmacy First service by downloading this list.

Is treatment from a pharmacy free?

No, you do not have to pay for the consultation or advice provided through the NHS Pharmacy First service, which is funded by the NHS. However, you will have to pay the standard NHS prescription charge for any medication supplied, unless you are exempt from charges. If you do not normally pay for prescriptions, the medicines will be free. 

What if a pharmacy can't help my child?

If further treatment is needed, pharmacy teams will signpost families to the most appropriate local health service. If you are unsure which service to use, try contacting NHS 111 for guidance.

How does the Pharmacy First service work?

You can go to a participating pharmacy and ask for support with your/your child's condition. The pharmacist will be able to speak to you privately in a separate consultation room. They may perform an examination or ask to access your medical records. The pharmacist will recommend the best course of action, which may include: 

• Prescribing antibiotics
• Prescribing antivirals
• Recommending over-the-counter medication
• Recommending you attend a different healthcare service, such as Urgent Care or your GP.

You can find out more about Pharmacy First by watching this video

People across Dudley have shared their expereince of using Pharmacy First with us.