Feel Better Direct From Your
Local Pharmacy
Without Any GP Appointment

The NHS Pharmacy First Service

The Pharmacy First service is a new national NHS initiative that allows trained pharmacists to provide clinical consultations and, where appropriate, supply medication for seven common health conditions. If you are looking for a pharmacy first service near me, Imaan Healthcare offers walk-in and online access at nearly 70 locations across the UK.

At Imaan Healthcare, this service is delivered in private consultation rooms by NHS-trained pharmacists who follow strict national guidelines and pharmacy first clinical pathways.

Pharmacists may also provide guidance on lifestyle concerns, including support available through our Weight Loss service.

All consultations are documented and shared with your GP to ensure continuity of care. Medication is only supplied when it is clinically appropriate and aligns with NHS guidelines.
Not all consultations will result in a prescription.

Here are the Service Features of Pharmacy First

The Pharmacy First service at Imaan Healthcare is structured to provide accessible care.

Free NHS Service

The NHS funds consultations and any prescribed treatments for eligible patients.

Direct Access

You need no GP appointment or referral to access the Pharmacy First service.

Professional Care

Our pharmacists are trained to follow NHS protocols and pharmacy first clinical pathways for safe and consistent service delivery.

Confidentiality

All consultations are confidential and conducted in a private setting.

GP Record Access

With your permission, our pharmacists can access your NHS Summary Care Record to review your medical history, current medications, and allergies for safe treatment decisions. You can also access a pharmacy first online consultation if you prefer to speak with a pharmacist remotely before visiting your nearest branch.

Conditions Treated by Pharmacy First

Our pharmacists can assess and provide support for the following NHS-approved conditions

  • 1. Sore Throat (Ages 5+)

    Symptoms: Pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils, visible white patches, or fever. We use NHS assessment tools, such as the Fever PAIN scoring system.
    Depending on your symptoms, we’ll recommend self-care options like throat sprays and lozenges, or offer treatment if a bacterial infection is suspected.

  • 2. Sinusitis (Ages 12+)

    Symptoms:Facial pressure, blocked nose, discoloured mucus, loss of smell. We help manage symptoms early with decongestants, nasal sprays and pain relief. If symptoms have lasted more than 10 days or worsened, additional treatment may be provided.

  • 3. Earache in Children (Ages 1–17)

    Symptoms: Facial pressure, blocked nose, discoloured mucus, loss of smell. Symptoms: ear pain, crying, pulling at the ear, mild fever. We provide safe symptom relief or NHS treatment depending on the severity. Parents or guardians must be present during the consultation.

  • 4. Infected Insect Bites (Ages 1+)

    Symptoms: Increased redness, swelling, warmth or pus around a bite or sting. We treat insect bites with creams, antihistamines or oral medications if an infection is present. We also advise on prevention and aftercare.

  • 5. Impetigo (Ages 1+)

    Symptoms: Red sores or blisters that burst and develop a yellowish crust, often on the face or limbs. Quick recognition and early treatment with medicated creams or medicine helps prevent the spread and speeds up healing.

  • 6. Shingles (Ages 18+)

    Symptoms: Tingling or burning pain, followed by a red rash with fluid-filled blisters on one side of the body. We confirm shingles diagnosis and, if seen within 72 hours, may provide antiviral treatment and pain relief guidance.

  • 7. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) For women aged 16–64 only.

    Symptoms: Burning when urinating, increased frequency, lower abdominal pain, cloudy or strong-smelling urine. We assess for uncomplicated UTIs and supply treatment when appropriate. Pregnant women, men or those with recurrent infections will be referred to a GP. Treatment depends on eligibility, symptom severity, and clinical judgement during your consultation.

Check Your Eligibility for This Service

To be assessed for Pharmacy First, you must:

The service is designed for mild to moderate cases. If your symptoms are outside the scope of the service, our pharmacists will guide you to the appropriate NHS service.

What to Expect at Your Visit

FAQS

The NHS Pharmacy First Service allows trained pharmacists to assess and treat certain common health conditions without needing a GP appointment. At Imaan Healthcare, consultations are provided in private rooms by NHS-trained pharmacists who follow national clinical guidelines.

No. You can access the NHS Pharmacy First service directly by visiting your local pharmacy. There is no need for a GP appointment or referral, and eligible consultations and treatments are funded by the NHS.

Pharmacists can assess and provide treatment for seven common conditions, including sore throat, sinusitis, earache in children, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16–64.

Yes. The NHS Pharmacy First Service is free for eligible patients in England. If treatment is clinically appropriate, the consultation and medication are covered by the NHS.

During your visit, a trained pharmacist will assess your symptoms using NHS-approved clinical guidelines. You will receive professional advice, self-care recommendations, or NHS-funded medication if appropriate. With your consent, the consultation details can also be shared with your GP.

When Should You See a GP or Call 111?

Your pharmacist will always act in your best interest. If symptoms are severe or outside the NHS treatment scope, we will refer you.

Call 111 if:

Your condition worsens suddenly
You have symptoms not covered by this service
You’re unsure about where to seek care

Call 999 in an emergency.

Book Now and Feel Better Faster

The NHS Pharmacy First Service at Imaan Healthcare provides accessible care for common health conditions. This regulated service is a direct way to receive a professional consultation and, if appropriate, a prescription. For travel-related health advice, you can also visit our Travel Clinic. You can access this service by walking into a participating branch using our pharmacy first online consultation, or booking online.