Community Pharmacy Services
Community pharmacies are an important part of your local NHS. They offer quick, convenient access to expert advice and treatment for many common health problems — often without needing a GP appointment.
We work closely with Garners Pharmacy, Howeletts Pharmacy, and Chimsons Chemist to ensure patients receive timely, safe, and effective care.
What is the Pharmacy First service?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows trained community pharmacists to:
- Assess certain common conditions
- Provide clinical advice
- Supply treatment where appropriate
- Prescribe antibiotics or antivirals when clinically indicated
This service helps patients get treated faster and supports GP practices by reducing unnecessary appointments.
Conditions pharmacists can see and treat
Under Pharmacy First, community pharmacists can assess and treat the following conditions:
1. Sore throat (including suspected strep throat)
- Assessment using clinical criteria
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if needed
2. Sinusitis
- Advice and treatment for acute sinus infections
- Antibiotics may be prescribed where appropriate
3. Earache (acute otitis media)
- For children and adults
- Pain relief advice and antibiotics if required
4. Infected insect bites
- Assessment of infection
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if indicated
5. Impetigo
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Antibiotic cream or tablets where appropriate
6. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16–64
- Antibiotics can be prescribed if clinically suitable
7. Shingles
- Assessment of symptoms
- Antiviral medication may be prescribed if appropriate
Prescribing antibiotics
Community pharmacists are now authorised to prescribe antibiotics and antivirals for the conditions listed above when:
- Clinical assessment shows they are needed
- Treatment meets NHS guidelines
This means:
- Faster access to treatment
- Reduced pressure on GP appointments
- Safe and appropriate use of antibiotics
When should I use Pharmacy First?
You should consider Pharmacy First if you:
- Have one of the conditions listed above
- Need advice or treatment quickly
- Want to avoid waiting for a GP appointment
Pharmacists will refer you to your GP or other services if your condition is not suitable for Pharmacy First or needs further investigation.
Our local community pharmacies
We work closely with the following pharmacies to support our patients:
Garners Pharmacy
Website: https://garnersickenhampharmacy.co.uk/book-services/
Scan QR code for services
Contact number: 01895 632576
All are trained to provide Pharmacy First consultations and work in partnership with the surgery to ensure continuity of care.
How to access the service
- Visit their website to book a consultation
- Walk into a participating community pharmacy
- You may also be referred directly by the GP practice
- No appointment needed
Additional Information
GDPR, Data Processing and Subject Access Request (SAR)
