Waiting weeks for a GP appointment when you feel unwell is a frustration that most people in West London is well known. NHS Pharmacy First was introduced to change that. Since its launch in 2024, the scheme allows qualified pharmacists to assess and treat seven specific conditions, including prescribing antibiotics where clinically appropriate — without the need for a GP referral.
Alisha Pharmacy on Acton Lane is a registered Pharmacy First provider serving Chiswick, Hammersmith,
Brentford and the surrounding areas. Here is everything you need to know.

What Is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is an NHS England service that enables community pharmacists to complete episodes of clinical care for patients presenting with seven common conditions. The service is fully funded by the NHS, which means there is no charge for the consultation, and any prescribed medicines are dispensed at the standard NHS prescription charge

The scheme is designed to reduce pressure on GP surgeries and A&E; departments by ensuring that patients receive timely, appropriate care from a highly qualified clinical professional in a convenient high-street setting.

The 7 Conditions Covered

The following conditions can be assessed and treated under Pharmacy First. Each consultation includes a clinical assessment; the pharmacist will determine whether treatment is appropriate based on your individual circumstances.

• Sore throat — assessment using clinical criteria to determine whether antibiotics are appropriate.
• Sinusitis — evaluation of symptoms and duration to guide treatment.
• Infected insect bite — assessment of severity and infection indicators.
• Impetigo — diagnosis and treatment of this common skin infection.
• Shingles — clinical assessment and antiviral prescribing where indicated.
• Acute otitis media (ear infection in children aged 1–17) — assessment and treatment.
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women aged 16–64 — assessment and antibiotic prescribing where appropriate.

Not every presentation will qualify for Pharmacy First treatment. The pharmacist will refer you to your GP or, in urgent cases, to an appropriate emergency service if the clinical assessment indicates that a higher level of care is needed.

Who Can Use Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is available to NHS patients in England. Most adults and children are registered with the NHS GP can access the service. There is no referral needed — you can walk in and ask for a Pharmacy First consultation directly. Some conditions have specific eligibility criteria, such as the age range for ear infection treatment, which the pharmacist will confirm during your visit.

What Happens During a Pharmacy First Consultation?

The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history and any medicines you currently take. For some consultations, a brief clinical examination may be necessary. The assessment is private and confidential. If treatment is appropriate, the pharmacist will either supply medicines directly or issue a prescription. The entire process typically takes fifteen to twenty minutes.

Pharmacy First vs a GP Appointment: An Honest Comparison

• Waiting time: Pharmacy First appointments are usually available the same day. GP appointments can take days or weeks.
• Clinical level: Pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals. For the seven listed conditions, the level of care is clinically equivalent.
• Prescribing: Pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics and antivirals under Pharmacy First where clinically appropriate.
• Cost: Both services are free on the NHS for eligible patients.
• Referral: If your condition is beyond the scope of Pharmacy First, the pharmacist will direct you to the correct service.

How to Access Pharmacy First at Alisha Pharmacy

Walk into Alisha Pharmacy on Acton Lane and ask to speak with the pharmacist about a Pharmacy First consultation. Booking is required for most consultations, although you may wish to call ahead during busy periods. We serve patients from Chiswick, Acton, Hammersmith, Brentford, Kew, Richmond and surrounding areas.

FAQs

Q: Is Pharmacy First the same as seeing a GP?
Pharmacy First is a clinical NHS service delivered by a qualified pharmacist. For the seven listed conditions, the care pathway is designed to be equivalent in quality. Complex or unrelated conditions will be referred to a GP.

Q: Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics under Pharmacy First?
Yes. For conditions such as sore throat, sinusitis, impetigo, shingles and UTIs, the pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics where the clinical assessment supports it. This is a key advantage of the Pharmacy First service.

Q: Is there a charge for Pharmacy First? 
The Pharmacy First consultation is free on the NHS. If medicines are prescribed, the standard NHS prescription charge applies unless you are exempt (for example, if you are under 16, over 60, or hold a valid exemption certificate).

Q: What if Pharmacy First does not cover my condition?
If your symptoms do not fall within the seven Pharmacy First conditions, or if the pharmacist considers that a GP or other specialist assessment is needed, you will be referred accordingly. This is a clinical decision made in your best interest.