Nhs pharmacy first 6 conditions explained

Written by the Veritas Pharmacy clinical team · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland · GPhC Registered 9012617

Waiting days for a general practitioner appointment when you have already got a sore throat or a stubborn sinus infection is frustrating. NHS Pharmacy First lets a GPhC-registered pharmacist assess and treat six common conditions directly, often on the same day, without needing to see your general practitioner first. Here is exactly what is covered and how it works at Veritas Pharmacy.

What is NHS Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is an NHS England scheme that allows trained community pharmacists to assess and, where appropriate, treat a defined list of common conditions, including supplying prescription-only medicines under something called a Patient Group Direction. It is free for anyone registered with an NHS general practitioner in England, and you do not need to be registered with a general practitioner in Sunderland specifically.

The six conditions Veritas Pharmacy treats under Pharmacy First

Veritas Pharmacy offers assessment and treatment for the following six conditions:

For sore throats, your pharmacist uses a standardised clinical scoring tool, such as FeverPAIN or Centor, to assess how likely a bacterial infection is and whether antibiotics are appropriate. Similar structured assessments apply to the other conditions, ensuring treatment decisions are consistent and evidence-based.

What happens at your appointment

You can book online or call the pharmacy directly, and same-day slots are usually available. Your pharmacist takes a brief clinical history and assesses your symptoms using the appropriate clinical tool for your condition. Where treatment is clinically appropriate, a prescription-only medicine can be supplied on the spot. If your condition turns out to need more complex care, you will be referred to your general practitioner or urgent care rather than left without a plan.

With your consent, a summary of your consultation is shared with your registered general practitioner, so your medical record stays up to date even though you did not see them directly.

Who can use Pharmacy First

Anyone registered with an NHS general practitioner in England can use the service, regardless of which practice or area they are registered with. It is helpful to bring your general practitioner’s name and surgery address if you know them, along with your NHS number if you have it, but neither is essential. Most of the six conditions are covered for all ages, though the urinary tract infection pathway applies specifically to women aged 16 to 64, and under-18s should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Pharmacy First FAQs

Related reading: Pharmacy First at Veritas Pharmacy · NHS New Medicine Service · Book a private pharmacist consultation