Pharmacy First · 2 min read
What Pharmacy First can treat in 2026
The seven conditions a pharmacist can assess and treat without a GP appointment, who each one is for, and what changed for urine infections in October 2025.
Updated October 2026 by the pharmacists at Brighton Hill Pharmacy.
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that lets a community pharmacist assess and, where it's appropriate, treat seven common conditions without a GP appointment. You can walk in, or NHS 111 or your GP practice can refer you to us. There's no charge for the consultation. If you're given a medicine, the usual NHS prescription charge applies unless you don't pay for prescriptions.
The seven conditions, and who each one is for
- Sinusitis: age 12 and over
- Sore throat: age 5 and over
- Earache (acute otitis media): age 1 to 17
- Infected insect bites: age 1 and over
- Impetigo: age 1 and over
- Shingles: age 18 and over
- Urine infections (uncomplicated UTI): women aged 16 to 64
What changed for urine infections
Since 1 October 2025, the urine infection part of Pharmacy First has been for women aged 16 to 64 who don't have diabetes. It also doesn't cover pregnancy, a urinary catheter, or infections that keep coming back (two in six months, or three in a year). If any of those apply to you, we'll help you get seen by the right service, usually your GP.
What happens when you come in
We'll talk through your symptoms in our private consultation room and follow the NHS checklist for your condition. Depending on what we find, we may:
- give you advice on looking after yourself at home
- suggest a medicine you can buy over the counter
- supply a prescription-only treatment, such as an antibiotic, when the NHS pathway says you need one
- refer you to your GP or another service if Pharmacy First isn't the right fit
If you're outside the age range for a condition, we can still give you self-care advice and tell you where to go next.
When to see your GP or call 111 instead
Pharmacy First is for short-term, uncomplicated illness. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if your symptoms are severe, keep coming back or don't match one of the seven conditions. In an emergency, call 999.
Using Pharmacy First at Brighton Hill
Walk in while we're open (Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm), or call us on 01256 322973 first if you'd like to check when we can see you. Bring your NHS number if you have it. There's more on our Pharmacy First page.