Book a free online NHS Pharmacy First consultation

We can help with common conditions under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, with prescription medication, delivered for free.

Book Now: Select Your Condition
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How it works

Booking

Book your free NHS consultation at a time that suits you. Confirm your symptoms with our simple online form.

Consultation

Join your private video consultation via the link that is emailed to you. The pharmacist will discuss your symptoms with you and make a diagnosis.

Prescription

Your pharmacist will add your order to your basket. Checkout and pay for your prescription, unless you qualify for free NHS prescriptions.

Delivery

Receive your free medication delivery in the post the next working day.

What is NHS Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is a brand new NHS service that allows community pharmacists to diagnose common ailments and prescribe medications that you would previously only have been able to access through your GP.

The service was introduced by the UK Government in January 2024 to combat the growing pressure on GP surgeries and to give the public a faster and easier way to manage common conditions that require prescription medication.

What’s even better is that the service is free - The NHS funds pharmacists to carry out the consultations.

What conditions are covered by Pharmacy First?

NHS Pharmacy First covers several common ailments that you can now get treatment for directly from the pharmacist, without the need for a visit to your GP.

If you have symptoms of the conditions below, you can use Pharmacy First for a free consultation.

Pharmacy First is currently only available to patients based in England.

Click on your condition below to start your consultation.

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Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin problem that starts with reddish sores that can be itchy and irritating. After a day or two, they can rupture and leak a clear fluid that forms a golden crust. This is an infection and can spread easily through touch, clothing and towels. Care is needed to avoid spreading it.

I think I have this
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Infected Insect Bites

Have you had a recent insect bite that now looks red, swollen and painful, worse than it did? Your bite may be infected.

I think I have this
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Shingles

Shingles is a painful red rash that occurs in clusters on the skin. The red spots can blister and burst creating crusts and it looks like chicken pox. Shingles can be very painful and require painkillers to manage the discomfort.

I think I have this
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Sinusitis (sinus infection)

Do you have a blocked nose, a reduced sense of smell with pain in your face, across your cheeks or in your head? These are classic signs of sinusitis and are sometimes associated with toothaches and a temperature.

I think I have this
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Sore throat

Does it hurt to swallow? Is your throat dry and scratchy with redness and swelling at the back? These classic symptoms of a sore throat could be early signs of tonsillitis.

I think I have this
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Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)

Are you experiencing smelly urine that burns when you go? Are you going much more frequently or struggling to go at all. These are signs of a urinary tract infection.

I think I have this

Why Choose My Local Surgery?

Expert Consultations, Anytime, Anywhere

Get access to licensed pharmacists for free video consultations, ensuring prompt attention, diagnosis and personalised care from the comfort of your own home.

Comprehensive Coverage

My Local Surgery covers a range of conditions approved under the Pharmacy First initiative, providing comprehensive support for these commonly diagnosed healthcare issues.

Effortless Prescription Ordering

Following your video consultation, easily order your prescription medication through the platform. With next-day delivery options available, say goodbye to long pharmacy queues and delays.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

Skip the inconvenience of GP surgery visits and endless waits for NHS specialist referrals and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with expert advice and prescription services, all conveniently accessible through our secure, user-friendly platform.

Lowest Cost to You

My Local Surgery’s prices are considerably lower than private GP services owing to our use of specialist NHS nurse prescribers, making quality healthcare more accessible to all.

What are our customers saying?

Frequently asked questions

01

What is the Pharmacy First scheme?

The Pharmacy First scheme allows pharmacists and chemists to prescribe specific medication for common ailments and illnesses without the need to visit a doctor. These ailments include a sore throat, sinusitis, impetigo, an infected insect bite, shingles, and uncomplex UTIs in women.

02

Is delivery free?

Next-day delivery is free, however, prescriptions are charged at their usual price (if you normally pay for your prescription) minus the NHS subsidy.

03

What prescriptions can I get from pharmacy first?

You can get prescriptions for a sore throat, sinusitis, impetigo, an infected insect bite, shingles, and uncomplex UTIs in women through Pharmacy First. With My Local Surgery, there’s no need to visit a chemist near you.

04

Can you buy antibiotics over the counter?

Through the new Pharmacy First scheme pharmacists are now able to supply antibiotics and other prescription only medication where clinically appropriate.

05

What is the difference between a pharmacist and a chemist?

In the UK, a chemist is the traditional name for a pharmacist. Looking up ‘Chemist near me’ on your favourite search engine will usually bring up results for local pharmacies.

06

Is Pharmacy First really free?

Yes, the NHS funds the costs of pharmacists to carry out consultations and provide advice under the Pharmacy First initiative.

07

Why has the government and NHS launched Pharmacy First?

The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the government and NHS England on 31 January 2024 to give patients quick and accessible care and ease pressure on GP services. Read the news release about Pharmacy First from the UK Government's Department of Health and Social Care

08

How long is a Pharmacy First Consultation?

Your consultation with the pharmacist will usually take around 10 minutes. The pharmacist will advise if you need to book follow-up consultations.

09

How do I pay for my prescription?

If you have a current NHS prescription exemption certificate or a prescription prepayment certificate, there's no need to pay for your prescribed medication. If you normally pay for NHS prescriptions, we will collect your information after of your video consultation and you can checkout using our secure payment service.

10

Do I need to do anything before my appointment?

When making your booking you'll be asked to fill out a short form which gives the pharmacist or healthcare specialist some additional details about you and your symptoms. Other than that you only need to join the video call to speak with your pharmacist.

11

Can I reschedule my appointment?

Yes, you can reschedule a future appointment from within your account or contact us via our online chat for help.

12

Will you let my GP know about the appointment?

With your consent, information is shared with your GP and recorded on your NHS record as part of this NHS service.

13

Why can you not cover earache under the Pharmacy First scheme?

Unfortunately as earache requires a healthcare professional to look directly into your ears, we're unable to complete this via a video call.

14

Does Pharmacy First cover my children also?

Pharmacy first is eligible for patients from 1 years old depending on the ailment.

15

Who will see me during my consultation?

You will be seen by a registered pharmacist for Pharmacy First consultations and contraception services, and by the healthcare professional of your choosing for a private consultations.

16

How are many of these services free?

Generally speaking, NHS services are free if you are exempt from prescription charges. The current prescription NHS prescription charge is £9.90. In England prescribed contraception is free for all women. Private services are chargeable, usually for both the consultation and the cost of the medication that is prescribed.