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Remote Pharmacy First Consultations

Pharmacy First

Written by the Veritas Pharmacy clinical team. Address: 113 Chester Road, Sunderland. Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, registration number 9012617.

Fitting in a health appointment around a working day, or around a poorly child, is not always easy. Our remote video consultations for National Health Service Pharmacy First bring the appointment to you instead. You can be seen from anywhere in England, with free home delivery of your medication where one is needed, and no need to take time away from work or arrange childcare.

Why a remote appointment works well for many patients

A short video consultation fits into moments that an in-person appointment often cannot. It suits anyone at work who can only spare a few minutes, perhaps during a lunch break, without needing to leave the building or explain an absence. It also suits parents and carers, particularly when a child is unwell and arranging childcare to attend a pharmacy in person is difficult, or when the parent or carer themselves is unwell and would rather not travel.

Which conditions can be seen remotely?

Six of the seven conditions covered by National Health Service Pharmacy First can be assessed and treated through a remote video consultation with us:

  • Sinusitis
  • Sore throat
  • Infected insect bites
  • Impetigo
  • Shingles
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64

You can read more about how we assess and treat one of these conditions in our guide to Pharmacy First urinary tract infection treatment.

Earache is the exception. Earache cannot currently be assessed remotely under this service, since a physical examination of the ear is needed. We offer earache assessment as a private, face-to-face appointment instead, without the age restriction that applies to the National Health Service pathway. You can find out more about our private pharmacist consultations.

How booking and your appointment work

You book your remote appointment online, choosing a time that suits you. Around 10 minutes before your appointment, you receive an email containing a secure link. When it is time for your appointment, you simply open the link to join your consultation by video, from wherever you happen to be.

Your pharmacist takes a short history, asks about your symptoms, and completes the same clinical assessment you would receive in person. Where treatment is appropriate, this is arranged for you, and where it is not, you will be guided to the right next step rather than left without a plan.

Free home delivery of your medication

Where a medicine is needed following your consultation, it is delivered to your home free of charge, so there is no need to collect it in person.

Occasionally, a condition needs medication urgently, sooner than home delivery would normally allow. In these situations, your consultation is referred to a participating pharmacy near your home, so you can collect your treatment promptly instead.

How to book your remote Pharmacy First consultation

Booking takes a couple of minutes online. This service is free on the National Health Service, and is available to anyone in England, wherever you happen to be at the time of your appointment.

Ready to book? Same-day slots are usually available.

Book a remote Pharmacy First consultation

Or call 0191 503 4053. Address: 113 Chester Road, Sunderland, SR4 7HG.

Frequently asked questions about remote Pharmacy First consultations

Is this service free?
Yes, this is a National Health Service funded service, free at the point of use.
Where can I be located for my appointment?
You can be seen from anywhere in England, provided you have a stable internet connection for your video consultation.
When will I receive my video link?
You receive an email containing your secure video link around 10 minutes before your appointment time.
Which conditions can be treated remotely?
Sinusitis, sore throat, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64 can all be assessed and treated remotely. Earache cannot be assessed remotely and requires a face-to-face appointment instead.
How do I receive my medication?
Where a medicine is needed, it is delivered to your home free of charge. If your condition needs medication urgently, your consultation is instead referred to a participating pharmacy near your home for prompt collection.
Is a remote consultation as thorough as an in-person one?
Yes, your pharmacist completes the same clinical assessment remotely as they would in person, and will guide you to a different service if a remote assessment is not suitable for your symptoms.

Related reading: National Health Service Pharmacy First at Veritas Pharmacy · Pharmacy First urinary tract infection treatment · More Pharmacy First articles

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