Pharmacy First at Hilltop Pharmacy
Get treatment for common health conditions without needing to see your GP first.
At Hilltop Pharmacy, our NHS Pharmacy First service makes it easier to get professional advice and, where appropriate, treatment for seven common health conditions. You can speak directly to our pharmacist, often without needing an appointment or a GP referral.
What Is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service designed to give you quicker and more convenient access to healthcare through your local community pharmacy.
Our trained pharmacists can assess your symptoms, offer advice and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Where clinically appropriate, they may also be able to supply certain prescription-only medicines without you needing to make an appointment with your GP.
What Conditions Can Pharmacy First Help With?
The NHS Pharmacy First service covers seven common conditions:
- Earache (acute otitis media) – Children aged 1 to 17 years
- Impetigo – Adults and children aged 1 year and over
- Infected insect bites – Adults and children aged 1 year and over
- Shingles – Adults aged 18 years and over
- Sinusitis – Adults and children aged 12 years and over
- Sore throat – Adults and children aged 5 years and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Women aged 16 to 64 years
How Does Pharmacy First Work?
Simply visit or contact Hilltop Pharmacy and speak to a member of our team. For the seven Pharmacy First conditions, you do not need to see your GP first or have a referral.
Our pharmacist will carry out a confidential consultation, assess your symptoms and follow the appropriate NHS clinical pathway. You will receive advice on managing your condition and, if treatment is required and clinically appropriate, the pharmacist may be able to provide medication directly.
If your symptoms need further investigation or treatment, we will advise you on the most appropriate next step.
Why Use Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First gives you convenient access to professional healthcare advice within your local community. It can help you receive treatment sooner while reducing the need to wait for a GP appointment for common conditions.
Our pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess minor illnesses, provide medicines advice and recognise symptoms that may require further medical attention.