Get NHS Treatment for Minor Illnesses Without Seeing a GP
The NHS Pharmacy First Service gives you faster access to advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions. Instead of waiting for a GP appointment, you can walk into Balance Pharmacy in Uttoxeter and speak directly with a qualified pharmacist.
Our pharmacists are trained to assess your symptoms, provide self-care advice, and where appropriate, supply prescription-only medicines free on the NHS (standard prescription charges apply unless you are exempt).
This service launched nationally in January 2024 and is available in pharmacies across England.
What we can help with
Seven common conditions treated under Pharmacy First.
Why Choose Pharmacy First at Balance Pharmacy?
No need to wait for a GP appointment
Private,
professional consultations
Prescription medicines available
Expert advice on treatment and prevention
Conditions We Can Treat Under Pharmacy First
Our pharmacists will assess your symptoms and offer treatment or self‑care advice. Where suitable, NHS medicines may be supplied.
Sinusitis
What is it?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, often following a cold or infection.
- Aged 12+
- Recent symptoms such as facial pressure, blocked nose, headache
- No severe swelling, vision problems, or serious illness
- Blocked or runny nose
- Pain/pressure around eyes, forehead, or cheeks
- Headache
- Loss of smell
- Fever (sometimes)
- Viral infections (most common)
- Bacterial infections
- Allergies such as hay fever
- Visit: Speak to our pharmacist about your symptoms
- Assessment: Check duration and severity of sinusitis
- Treatment plan: We may supply antibiotics (in certain cases) or recommend effective over-the-counter treatment
- Advice: Home care tips to ease pressure and discomfort
Treatment options
- Decongestants or saline sprays
- Pain relief (ibuprofen/paracetamol)
- Antibiotics if bacterial sinusitis is diagnosed
Prevention tips
- Manage allergies
- Stay hydrated
- Use a humidifier in dry conditions
- • Severe or worsening symptoms after 10 days
- • Swelling around the eyes or forehead
- • Vision problems
Book this service
Standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you’re exempt.
Sore Throat
What is it?
A sore throat is irritation or pain in the throat, often due to infection.
- Aged 5+
- Painful swallowing, red throat, possible fever
- No difficulty breathing, swallowing, or signs of severe infection
- Pain when swallowing
- Red or swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
- Hoarse voice
- Fever and tiredness
- Viral infections (cold, flu)
- Bacterial infections (strep throat)
- Irritants like smoke or dry air
- Visit: Consultation with a pharmacist in a private room
- Assessment: We’ll check whether it’s viral, bacterial, or something else
- Treatment plan: Antibiotics if suitable, otherwise self-care and symptom relief advice
Treatment options
- Pain relief (ibuprofen/paracetamol)
- Lozenges, sprays, or soothing remedies
- Antibiotics if bacterial infection is confirmed
Prevention tips
- Wash hands regularly
- Avoid sharing cutlery or glasses
- Stay well hydrated
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe sore throats that keep coming back
- Rash alongside sore throat (possible scarlet fever)
Book this service
Standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you’re exempt.
Ear Infections
What is it?
An infection of the middle ear, often following a cold or respiratory illness.
- Aged 1–17 years (adults depending on local policy)
- Ear pain, possible discharge, or hearing difficulty
- No severe swelling, high fever, or suspected complications
- Ear pain
- Difficulty hearing
- Fever
- Fluid discharge from the ear
- Irritability in children
- Cold or flu
- Blocked Eustachian tubes
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Visit: Walk in for a consultation
- Assessment: We’ll examine your symptoms and health history
- Treatment plan: Antibiotics may be supplied if necessary, otherwise pain relief and self-care advice
Treatment options
- Pain relief
- Antibiotics if bacterial infection suspected
- Advice on keeping ears healthy
Prevention tips
- Manage allergies and colds promptly
- Avoid exposure to smoke
- Keep ears dry after swimming
- Severe or persistent pain
- Hearing loss
- Fluid or pus coming from the ear
Book this service
Standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you’re exempt.
Insect Bites
What is it?
Skin reaction to insect saliva or venom.
- Aged 1+
- Local swelling, redness, itching, or mild infection
- No breathing problems, large allergic reaction, or rapidly spreading redness
- Redness, swelling, and itching
- Pain or stinging sensation
- Occasionally: allergic reactions (facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Mosquitoes, midges, bees, wasps, or other insects
- Infection if the bite is scratched
- Visit: Drop in for quick assessment
- Assessment: Check bite/sting and symptoms
- Treatment plan: Suitable medication supplied, plus home care tips
Treatment options
- Antihistamines
- Pain relief
- Antibiotics if infection develops
- Soothing creams and cold compress advice
Prevention tips
- Use insect repellent
- Cover exposed skin outdoors
- Keep windows/doors closed at dusk
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Increasing redness, pus, or spreading infection
- Large swelling extending beyond the bite site
Book this service
Standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you’re exempt.
Impetigo
What is it?
A contagious bacterial skin infection that causes sores and blisters.
- Aged 1+
- Localised honey-coloured crusts or small patches
- Not widespread or rapidly spreading
- Red sores around mouth and nose
- Yellow/brown crust forming over sores
- Itchy, painful patches
- Bacterial infection (staphylococcus or streptococcus)
- Spreads easily through close contact
- Visit: Private consultation with our pharmacist
- Assessment: Confirm impetigo diagnosis
- Treatment plan: Prescription antibiotic cream or tablets if required
Treatment options
- Antibiotic cream
- Antibiotic tablets (if severe or widespread)
- Hygiene advice to stop spread
Prevention tips
- Keep skin clean
- Cover cuts or grazes
- Avoid sharing towels or bedding
- Widespread or rapidly spreading rash
- Painful, swollen skin
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
Book this service
Standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you’re exempt.
Shingles
What is it?
A painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
Shingles Aged 18+
- Typical shingles symptoms (pain/tingling followed by a blistering rash on one side of the body)
- Rash started within the last 72 hours — this is when antiviral treatment works best
- If it has been more than 72 hours, you can still come in for an assessment.
- We may not be able to supply antiviral treatment under Pharmacy First, but we can provide advice, pain relief options and refer you if needed.
- No eye involvement or rash affecting the face/nose
- Not severely immunocompromised
- Burning or tingling pain in a localised area
- Red rash (often on one side of the body)
- Blisters that scab over
- Sensitivity to touch
- Reactivation of varicella zoster virus (chickenpox virus)
- More common in older adults or those with weakened immune systems
- Visit: Consultation with our pharmacist
- Assessment: Confirm if shingles is likely
- Treatment plan: Antivirals may be prescribed if started quickly, alongside pain management advice
Treatment options
- Antiviral medicines (if supplied promptly)
- Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Skin care advice
Prevention tips
- Shingles vaccine (for eligible patients)
- Healthy diet and lifestyle to support immunity
- Rash near the eyes
- Severe pain not controlled with treatment
- Persistent or spreading rash
Book this service
Standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you’re exempt.
UTIs
What is it?
A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary system, most commonly the bladder.
- Women aged 16–64
- Symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI (burning, frequency, urgency)
- Not pregnant and no severe symptoms (fever, back/flank pain)
- Pain, burning, or stinging when passing urine
- Needing to urinate more often
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Feeling generally tired or unwell
- Bacteria entering the urinary tract (commonly E. coli)
- Poor hydration
- Sexual activity
- Hormonal changes such as menopause
- Visit: Walk into the pharmacy for a private consultation
- Assessment: We’ll discuss your symptoms and check eligibility
- Treatment plan: Prescription antibiotics may be provided if appropriate
- Advice: Pain relief, hydration, and prevention tips
Treatment options
- Antibiotics (if suitable)
- Pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Self-care guidance
Prevention tips
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Wipe front to back
- Urinate soon after sex
- Avoid perfumed soaps in the genital area
- High fever, chills, or back pain (possible kidney infection)
- Blood in urine
- Symptoms not improving after 48 hours
Book this service
Standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you’re exempt.
In addition to the seven clinical conditions, the service also includes:
Urgent repeat supply of prescription medicines (subject to criteria).
Referrals from NHS 111, GPs, urgent treatment centres, or A&E for minor illnesses.
People with one of the eligible conditions (subject to age restrictions above).
Patients referred by NHS 111, GPs, urgent care, or other NHS services.
Walk-ins are welcome — our pharmacists will assess if your condition can be treated under Pharmacy First.
The consultation is free under the NHS.
If you receive prescription medicine and you’re not exempt, the standard NHS prescription charge applies.
If you are exempt, the medicine is supplied free of charge.
How Pharmacy First Works at Balance Pharmacy
Step 1
Walk-in or Referral
Come directly to us as a walk in or be referred by NHS 111, your GP, or another service.
Step 2
Private Consultation
You’ll be seen in our consultation room. We’ll assess your symptoms and health history.
Step 3
Treatment
You may be offered self-care advice, an over-the-counter product, or an NHS-supplied medicine.
Step 4
Referral if Needed
If your condition is more serious, we’ll make sure you get the right help, under Pharmacy First.
FAQs – NHS Pharmacy First
No, you can walk in. Some patients are referred to us via NHS 111, your GP, or urgent care.
Yes, for some conditions — but each has age limits (see above). Babies under 1 are usually referred to a GP.
Not always. Many conditions are viral or self-limiting. Antibiotics are only supplied if clinically appropriate under NHS rules.
Yes. All consultations take place in private, and we only share details with your GP if needed for your care.
We’ll advise you on the best next steps, whether that’s self-care, a GP appointment, or urgent referral.
Book Your Pharmacy First appointment today
You can walk in anytime during opening hours, or book an appointment online.
Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.
