Tia's Story

Recently, I found myself battling with a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) that was causing me pain and burning when peeing as well as a high temperature. Despite attempting various at-home remedies, relief seemed out of reach.  The thought of waiting another week for a GP appointment was daunting. 

. Thankfully, I remembered hearing about the Pharmacy First scheme, which allows pharmacists to treat certain common conditions, including UTIs in women aged 16 to 64, without the need to see a GP. I walked into my local pharmacy and asked for help.  

To my relief, the pharmacist invited me into a private consulting room. Within minutes he prescribed a course of antibiotics under the Pharmacy First clinical pathway. II was back home with the medication I needed, without the wait, stress, or hassle of booking a GP appointment. This experience was an eye-opener for me. I now understand that pharmacists are highly qualified professionals who can offer clinical advice and provide treatment for a range of conditions. I’ll definitely consider visiting my pharmacy firstbefore I make an appointment with my GP.   

What Can Your Pharmacist Help With Under Pharmacy First?

Pharmacists can now assess and treat the following conditions for eligible patients: 

• Aches and pains 
• Hay fever 
• Sore throat and coughs 
• Colds and flu 
• Earache (ages 1–17) 
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (women aged 16–64) 
• Skin rashes and red eye 
• Teething 
• Sinusitis 
• Infected insect bites 
• Impetigo 
• Shingles 

No appointment is needed, and consultations can be done in person or virtually. This NHS-funded service is helping to free up GP appointments and make healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone.

For more information, visit thinkwhichservice.co.uk.