Pharmacy First Service
What is NHS Pharmacy First Scotland?
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is a service offered by your local community pharmacy to manage minor health conditions. Whether you need advice, a referral to another healthcare professional, or medication to manage your symptoms, the pharmacist or pharmacy team can assist you—all covered by the NHS without the need for an appointment!
How Do I Access the Service?
Simply visit your local pharmacy. Here’s what to expect:
Information Request: The pharmacist will ask for your name, date of birth, and postcode to record the consultation.
Consultation: Discuss your symptoms with the team.
Advice and Treatment: Receive expert advice and, if necessary, medication.
Referral: If more specialised care is needed, the pharmacist may refer you to another healthcare professional, such as your GP.
Privacy: If you prefer privacy, you can request to use the consultation area or room.
Who Can Use this Service?
Anyone registered with a GP in Scotland or residing in Scotland is eligible to use this service.
What Conditions are Covered?
Our teams can offer advice and treatment using over-the-counter medications for a variety of common conditions including constipation, diarrhoea, head lice, haemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, threadworms, warts, dry eyes, ear wax removal, eczema, as well as pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications for various conditions. If you want a specific medicine or product, you may need to buy it.
Additionally, all pharmacies can provide some prescription medications for urinary tract infections, some skin infections (including insect bites), hay fever, shingles, and impetigo, following a consultation with a pharmacist.
Enhanced Service
At many of our pharmacies, we offer an enhanced service where our independent prescribers have the skills and knowledge to consult, diagnose, and treat a wider scope of conditions. These prescribers can provide medications typically only available with a GP prescription.