Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get expert clinical advice on minor health concerns.

In recent months, local pharmacies across Gloucestershire have expanded the range of healthcare services they provide, and they can now also offer assessment, treatment and, when appropriate, some prescription medicine, for seven common conditions, without you needing to see a GP.

Under the Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess and treat patients for:

  • Sinusitis (adults and children aged 12 and over)
  • Sore throat (adults and children aged 5 and over)
  • Shingles (adults aged 18 and over)
  • Earache (children aged 1 to 17)
  • Impetigo (adults and children aged 1 and over)
  • Infected insect bite (adults and children aged 1 and over)
  • Urinary tract infection (women aged 16 to 64).

Community pharmacy teams are highly skilled, qualified healthcare professionals and experts in medicines, thanks to their years of training and studies in this field. This equips them with the right clinical training to give you the health advice you need.

If you contact your GP surgery about one of the seven Pharmacy First conditions, the receptionist may signpost you to your local pharmacy, where you will be seen promptly, without needing to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can visit any community pharmacy to discuss your ailment without a referral.

All pharmacies have private consultation rooms so that you can discuss any symptoms in confidence.

If your pharmacist is unable to treat your illness, they will recommend the most appropriate alternative services for you.

Sian Williams, Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead at NHS Gloucestershire, said:

“Pharmacy First is making NHS services easier and more accessible to patients across the county, with all 105 community pharmacies providing the service.

Over the past 12 months, their expertise has helped over 35,000 local people to access assessment, advice and medications (where appropriate) for the seven conditions and other minor illnesses.

The most common presenting illnesses for adults have been sore throat and uncomplicated urinary tract infection, and for younger people, earache and impetigo.

The service is continuing to expand as more and more local people are choosing their local pharmacy as their first point of contact for these seven conditions and other minor illnesses.”

Dr Hein Le Roux, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Gloucestershire, said:

“Gloucestershire’s GPs and pharmacists have always worked closely together, with pharmacies playing a vital role in keeping our local communities healthy and well.

We welcome Pharmacy First as it offers patients quick and convenient access to advice and treatment for these conditions.

It also helps reduce the pressure on busy GP surgery teams, freeing up appointments for patients with more complex needs, who really need their care.

So, don’t wait for minor health concerns to get worse. Think Pharmacy First and get seen by your local pharmacy team.”

Andrew Lane, Chair of Community Pharmacy Gloucestershire, said:

“As Chair of Community Pharmacy Gloucestershire, and also in my World Pharmacy Council role, I can confirm that the increased scope of practice for pharmacies in England means that we are bringing a world leading service to the people of Gloucestershire. Our residents will continue to benefit from Pharmacy First as it expands and develops further over the coming months.”

For more information:

  • Visitnhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/
  • Watch our Pharmacy First videos
  • Download posters and leaflets (contact enquiries@nhs.net to request hard copies)
  • Pharmacists can also check your blood pressure, supply oral contraception and provide NHS vaccinations, including flu and covid jabs, to those who are eligible.