Pharmacy First - Online Pharmacy Consultation | Pharmacy2U

Question 1

Impetigo

Accepted Answer

We might be able to help if you:This service isn't suitable for pregnant individuals under 16 years old who should instead make an appointment to see their doctor.You'll also need to contact your GP if you keep getting impetigo infections.Get started

Question 2

Infected insect bites

Accepted Answer

We might be able to help if you:This service isn't suitable for pregnant individuals under 16 years old who should instead make an appointment to see their doctor.Get started

Question 3

Shingles

Accepted Answer

We might be able to help if you:Are showing symptoms including:Shingles rash appears only on one side of your body. A rash spanning both the left and right side of your body will most likely be a sign of a different condition, and we’d recommend speaking to your GP or calling NHS 111.You should also speak to your GP if you suspect shingles and you’re pregnant.Get started

Question 4

Sinusitis

Accepted Answer

We might be able to help if:You have the following symptoms:This service isn't suitable for pregnant individuals under 16 years old who should instead make an appointment to see their doctor.You’ll also need to speak to your GP if you have a compromised immune system or your symptoms have been ongoing for over 12 weeks (chronic sinusitis).Get started

Question 5

Sore throat

Accepted Answer

We might be able to help if you:Have symptoms including:This service isn't suitable for pregnant individuals under 16 years old who should instead make an appointment to see their doctor.You’ll also need to speak to your GP about your sore throat if it’s been ongoing for 12 months (7 or more episodes in this time).Get started

Question 6

Urinary Tract Infection's (UTI's)

Accepted Answer

We might be able to help if you:If you notice blood in your pee or pain in your lower tummy area, we’d recommend making an appointment with your GP.If you experience the following symptoms, ask for an emergency (same-day) or out-of-hours appointment with your GP:You’ll also need to speak to your GP about a UTI treatment if you’re pregnant, use a catheter, or have recurring UTIs (2 in the last 6 months, or 3 in the last 12 months).Get started

Question 7

What is the new NHS Pharmacy First Service?

Accepted Answer

The NHS Pharmacy First Service gives you access to the appropriate treatment you need for certain common conditions through one of our pharmacists, instead of needing to attend an appointment with your GP. This new service can be used when you have symptoms of one of the conditions listed below:You’ll have a video consultation with one of our pharmacists who’ll determine the treatment you need. This could be a prescription medication, such as a course of antibiotics, a recommendation for an over-the counter medicine available from our pharmacy shop, or self-care. The consultation is always free, and if you’re issued a prescription treatment, we’ll dispatch and deliver this to you for free (you’ll pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions).

Question 8

What services are available through the Pharmacy First initiative?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacy First is a new NHS initiative to improve the availability of primary healthcare to patients in England. Pharmacy First currently includes the Common Conditions Service and also a referral service for minor illnesses and urgent repeat medication. These services enable pharmacists to use more of their skills and medical training, giving you improved access and more choice when it comes to your healthcare.By thinking ‘Pharmacy First’, you should find it easier and quicker to get the help you need, without the morning rush to try and book an appointment with your GP. There are also other NHS services that are now available with a pharmacist instead of a GP, like the Pharmacy Contraception Service.

Question 9

Is this service right for me?

Accepted Answer

If you feel like you need more urgent care or you cannot wait for your medication to be delivered the next working day, then you may need to speak with your local pharmacist or usual GP to discuss your symptoms.

Question 10

How do I access the service?

Accepted Answer

Your GP or an NHS 111 operator may refer you to our Common Conditions service, or you can self-refer by selecting the condition you need help with and following the instructions on the page.

Question 11

What do I need to do before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

You’ll complete a short questionnaire to ensure this service is the best option for you. If we determine there’s a more suitable alternative for your specific needs, we’ll signpost you to the most appropriate NHS service. When you’ve successfully booked your appointment, we’ll send you an email reminder before it’s due to take place which will include a link to access your video consultation. You can join up to 10 minutes before your appointment time, and our pharmacist will soon be with you to complete your consultation.

Question 12

How long will the consultation take?

Accepted Answer

Your video appointment with the pharmacist should take around 15 minutes to complete.

Question 13

What types of treatment are provided?

Accepted Answer

You may be given self-care advice, a prescription treatment such as a course of antibiotics, or recommended medicines available to purchase from our pharmacy shop to help ease your symptoms. The pharmacist will talk through your options with you at your video consultation.

Question 14

How will I receive my medication?

Accepted Answer

If the pharmacist issues a prescription medication to treat your condition, it will be sent free of charge using Royal Mail’s Tracked 24-hour service to your chosen UK address. Where possible, we try to make sure our packaging allows your prescription to fit through your letterbox. If you’re not going to be home, you can nominate a safe place for Royal Mail to leave your parcel when you’ve received your tracking number.If you purchase a recommended over-the-counter treatment from our pharmacy shop, you can select your preferred delivery option at checkout.

Question 15

How will I pay for my prescription medicine?

Accepted Answer

If you hold a valid NHS prescription exemption certificate or a prescription prepayment certificate, you won’t need to pay for your prescription medicine. If you pay for your NHS prescriptions, we’ll take your details at the end of your video consultation ready to process your prescription.

Question 16

Will you let my GP know?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we’ll update your GP to inform them of the outcome of your video consultation and any treatments we’ve issued or recommended.

Question 17

What days and times are available to book?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are available Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5pm, and you can book an appointment the same day where available. Booking an appointment can be done 24/7 for the slots that are available Monday to Friday.

Question 18

Why don’t you cover earache as part of your service?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, due to the level of examination needed to asses the condition of earache, we are not able to do this remotely. If you’re experiencing symptoms of earache then you should visit your local pharmacy or NHS GP.

NHS Pharmacy First Service

Our new NHS service means you can get clinical advice and a suitable treatment for selected common health conditions, without needing to see your GP.

How the NHS Pharmacy First Service works

What conditions can we help with?

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