Pharmacy First Scheme
If you have symptoms relating to any of the seven common conditions below, you can obtain a free NHS consultation at
your local pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment.
- Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1 year-17)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
- Impetigo (aged 18 years+)
- Shingles (aged 18 years+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
Blood Pressure Check
Why get your blood pressure checked?
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High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition which can be controlled to reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular disease.
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In the UK there are about five million adults (one in every nine) who have high blood pressure without even knowing it, since high blood pressure itself rarely causes symptoms.
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The British Heart Foundation estimates that high blood pressure causes over 50% of heart attacks and strokes.
What does this free NHS blood pressure check involve?
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Pharmacies are offering free NHS blood pressure checks to people aged 40 and over with undiagnosed high blood pressure. No appointment necessary.
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This involves around 10-15 minutes in the pharmacy consultation room with pharmacy staff. Following this, you may be invited to take home a blood pressure monitor that measures your blood pressure as you go about your daily life.
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Depending on your blood pressure reading you may be referred to your GP. The pharmacy staff will guide you through any necessary steps depending on your blood pressure result.
Contraception Services
Need a free supply of oral contraception or Emergency Contraception?
If you need Emergency Contraception, are already taking oral contraception (the pill) or are looking for your first supply, you can arrange a confidential consultation at a local participating pharmacy.
Simply walk in to the pharmacy and ask about their contraception service. Your GP or sexual health clinic can also refer you, but you don’t have to be registered with a GP.
Your one-to-one consultation with a pharmacist/technician will be held in a private room in the pharmacy. If they agree that the pill is suitable for you, a free supply can be made by the pharmacy.
The pharmacy contraception service is confidential and free for everyone. Unless you give your permission, the pharmacy will not tell anyone about your consultation with them, including your GP.