Pharmacy First is available to those that are normally exempt from paying prescription charges and are registered with a local GP in the participating area. It means that those eligible don’t have to pay for certain over-the-counter medicines. Instead patients can see a qualified health professional at a pharmacy rather than make a GP appointment.
It is estimated that each year 57 million visits to the GP are made for common ailments. These same ailments would get the same treatment if the patient had visited a pharmacy. So now, by talking to your pharmacist first you can get the advice and medicines you need to get you on the road to recovery without having to see a doctor. Plus there’s no need to worry about having private conversations at the counter. Just ask to use the consultation room. All pharmacies operating the scheme have them.
Pharmacy First is available for children and adults who need medication for a number of common ailments. All you need to do is give the pharmacist your NHS number, or your child’s NHS number to receive advice and, where appropriate, medicines free of charge.
If you do not know your NHS number you can contact your GP practice and ask them to look it up for you. It’s important to note that the pharmacist may ask you to show them a passport, driving licence or some other proof of who you are.
Visiting your pharmacy first will also help to free up valuable GP time, which can be used to deal with more complex or serious health needs. A pharmacist will always advise you if they think you need to see a doctor.
“Often what the GP may prescribe, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, doesn’t need a prescription and if you’re not eligible for the scheme this can often be bought cheaper over the counter. So it’s always a good idea to talk to the pharmacist first.”
You can find out which pharmacies are taking part in your area here: Participating Pharmacists
