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NHS PHARMACY FIRST

Skip the GP wait. Start at the pharmacy.

Seven common conditions can now be assessed and treated by our pharmacists on the NHS — including antibiotics where they are needed. No GP appointment, no referral, and often the same day you walk in.

Speak to a pharmacist Call 020 8460 0377
Free NHS Service
No Appointment Needed
Walk-ins Welcome
7 Conditions Covered
Free NHS Consultation
No Appointment Needed
Expert Pharmacist Care

Seven conditions we can treat

Each one has its own NHS age and eligibility criteria. If you are not sure whether yours fits, just ask — checking costs nothing.

Sinusitis — treated under NHS Pharmacy First at Caxton Pharmacy
Age 12+

Sinusitis

Facial pain, pressure and blocked sinuses that have not settled on their own.

Sore Throat — treated under NHS Pharmacy First at Caxton Pharmacy
Age 5+

Sore Throat

Painful swallowing and inflammation, assessed against clinical scoring criteria.

Earache — treated under NHS Pharmacy First at Caxton Pharmacy
Age 1–17

Earache

Acute middle ear infection in children — one of the most common reasons for a GP visit.

Infected Insect Bites — treated under NHS Pharmacy First at Caxton Pharmacy
Age 1+

Infected Insect Bites

Bites that have become red, swollen, painful or warm to the touch.

Impetigo — treated under NHS Pharmacy First at Caxton Pharmacy
Age 1+

Impetigo

A contagious bacterial skin infection causing golden crusted sores.

Shingles — treated under NHS Pharmacy First at Caxton Pharmacy
Age 18+

Shingles

A painful blistering rash — treatment works best when started early.

Urinary Tract Infection — treated under NHS Pharmacy First at Caxton Pharmacy
Women 16–64

Urinary Tract Infection

Uncomplicated lower UTIs, assessed and treated without a GP appointment.

Not sure if yours fits? Tell us what is wrong and we will check the criteria with you. If we cannot treat it, we will point you to who can. Call 020 8460 0377

Age criteria are set nationally by the NHS, not by us. If you fall outside them we will point you to the right service rather than turn you away.

How It Works

From walking in to walking out with treatment — usually inside half an hour.

1

Speak to us

Walk in or book a slot and tell our pharmacist what is wrong. No referral and no GP appointment needed.

Same day
2

Get assessed

A private consultation in our consultation room, where we check your symptoms against the NHS criteria.

10–15 mins
3

Get treatment

Where it is appropriate we supply treatment there and then — including prescription-only medicines.

Straight away
WHAT IT COSTS

The consultation is free. For many people, so is the treatment.

The NHS Pharmacy First consultation is provided free of charge. Any prescription medicines supplied may be subject to the standard NHS prescription charge of £9.90 per item — unless you are exempt.

Our pharmacist will confirm what applies to you at your appointment — before anything is supplied.

You pay nothing at all if you are:

  • Children under 16
  • Anyone aged 60 or over
  • Pregnant women, and mothers in the past 12 months
  • Qualifying medical conditions
  • Those on qualifying low-income or benefit support
Speak to a pharmacist today

There is more to it than the seven conditions

Pharmacy First sits alongside the other NHS services we can offer over the counter, without an appointment.

Free NHS blood pressure checks

Available to over-40s and anyone your pharmacist thinks would benefit. Results explained on the spot.

Oral contraception

Start a new pill or continue an existing supply, without going back to your GP.

Treating someone you care for

You can use the service on behalf of a child or someone you look after, subject to the age criteria.

BOOK ONLINE

Book a free NHS appointment

Choose a time that suits you. No GP referral needed — booking takes about a minute.

Prefer to talk it through first? Call 020 8460 0377 or see all services.

NHS Pharmacy First consultations at Caxton Pharmacy, Bromley
Seven common conditions treated without a GP appointment.

Pharmacy First questions

The things people ask before walking in.

Does Pharmacy First cost anything?
The consultation is provided free of charge on the NHS. If you are supplied a prescription medicine, the standard NHS prescription charge applies per item unless you are exempt — and many people are, including children under 16, anyone aged 60 or over, pregnant women, people with qualifying medical conditions, and those on low income or qualifying benefits. Our pharmacist will confirm what applies to you at your appointment, before anything is supplied.
Do I need an appointment?
No. You can walk in and ask to speak to the pharmacist. Booking ahead simply means you are seen at a time that suits you.
Can the pharmacist actually prescribe?
Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can supply specified prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics, for the seven conditions — following the national clinical protocols.
What if I am not eligible?
If your symptoms fall outside the criteria, or something needs a closer look, we will tell you clearly and help you get to the right place — your GP, NHS 111 or urgent care.
Will my GP know I have been seen?
Yes. We send a record of your consultation to your GP practice so your medical record stays up to date.
Is the consultation private?
Yes — it takes place in our private consultation room, not over the counter.
Free NHS Consultation No Referral Walk-ins Welcome

Feeling unwell? Start here.

Pop into our Bromley pharmacy or call ahead — you may not need the GP at all.

Speak to a pharmacist Call 020 8460 0377