Pharmacy First
The Pharmacy First service allows patients to receive advice and treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy without needing to see a GP. This service helps improve access to healthcare, reduces pressure on doctors' surgeries, and promotes self-care. Pharmacists can offer over-the-counter medications and possibly antibiotics to treat thes
Sore Throat
Adults and children aged 5 years and over
Sore throats usually get better within a week but they may need over the counter medication to treat it further. If necessary, depending on the severity of symptoms, antibioitcs may be required
Sinusitis
Adults and children aged 12 years and over
Sinusitis is the swelling of the sinuses and usually takes up to 4 weeks to completely clear. You can use medication to speed up this process.
The main symptoms are:
- Pain, swelling and tenderness around your eyes, forehead and cheeks
- Reduced sense of smell
- Blocked or runny nose
Otitis Media
Children aged between 1 to 17 years
Earache is common in young children. The main symptoms of an ear infection are:
- Holding, tugging or rubbing of the ear
- Fever, crying, poor feeding, restlessness
- Discharge from the ear
Impetigo
Adults and children aged 1 years and over
Impetigo is a skin infection that is common in children. It often takes 7 to 10 days to improve if treated.
The main symptoms are:
- Blisters bursting on the skin leaving crusty, golden-brown patches
- Blisters often get bigger
- Spread to other parts of the body
- Itchy
- Can be painful
Shingles
Adults aged 18 years and over
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash.
Patient should be seen urgently if shingles is suspected by either GP, pharmacist or calling 111.
The symptoms are:
- An abnormal pain or sensation on the skin which can be described as burning, throbbing, itching or tingling
- Rash appears within 2 to 3 days of pain onset with a fever or headache
- Rash appears as red spots on a pink background which turns into fluid filled blisters
- Usually appears on one side of the body
Infected Insect Bites
Adults and children aged 1 years and over
Insect bites usuallt take a few days to heal but can sometimes get infected.
The main symptoms are:
- Pain where the bite is
- A swollen lump on the skin
- Skin surrounding the bite is hot to touch
- Discharge at the site of the bite
Urinary Tract Infection
Women aged 16 to 64 years old
Urinary tract infections affect your bladder, urethra or kidneys. They may need to be treated with antibioitcs but are not always necessary.
The main symptoms are:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Needed to urinate more often than usual
- A cloudy colour on inspection