If you have ever spent a morning on hold trying to get a GP appointment for something you were fairly sure a clinician could sort, NHS Pharmacy First is for you.
The six conditions we can treat
- Sore throat in anyone aged 5 and over
- Sinusitis in adults and children aged 12 and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64
- Impetigo in anyone aged 1 and over
- Shingles in adults aged 18 and over
- Infected insect bites in anyone aged 1 and over
What happens in the consultation
You will be seen in a private consultation room. Our clinician follows the same national clinical pathways a GP would use, asks about your symptoms and history, and where appropriate supplies treatment on the spot, including antibiotics when they are genuinely needed.
Most consultations end with clear self-care advice rather than a prescription, and that is a good outcome, not a wasted trip.
Is it really free?
Yes. The consultation is free for everyone, and any medicine supplied is treated as an NHS prescription, so normal prescription charges and exemptions apply.
Will my GP know?
We notify your GP practice automatically, so your medical record stays complete and joined up.
When you need a GP instead
If your symptoms fall outside the service, or something suggests you need further investigation, we will tell you straight away and point you to the right NHS service, whether that is your GP, NHS 111 or urgent care.
Book a Pharmacy First appointment at 84 Ryhope Road, Sunderland, and we'll see you at a time that suits you.
