Pharmacy First Service
What is NHS Pharmacy First Scotland?
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is a service that allows community pharmacies to provide expert assistance in treating minor conditions such as such as constipation, diarrhoea, head lice, haemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, threadworms, warts, dry eyes, ear wax, eczema, and cold sores.
Pharmacy teams offer advice, treatment, or referral to other healthcare professionals if necessary.
Where treatment is appropriate, our teams can provide over-the-counter medication to help manage your symptoms—free of charge under the NHS—from a limited approved list.
Pharmacists can also offer certain prescription-only treatments, following a consultation, for conditions such as urinary tract infections, some skin conditions (including insect bites), hay fever, shingles, and impetigo.
This service helps people access the appropriate care in the right location, eliminating the need to visit their GP practice or local Accident and Emergency Department for non-urgent treatment.
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.
Can’t Make It In? No Problem
If you need a consultation but can’t come into the pharmacy, just fill in our consultation request form. We’ll arrange a phone or video consultation from your chosen pharmacy.
We won’t ask you to detail your symptoms in the form. We believe good care starts with a real conversation. A short form can miss important details. By speaking directly with a pharmacist or support staff, we can ask the right questions, understand your situation properly, and give safe, personalised advice.
If medication is needed, we make it easy to get your treatment:
Collect in person at your local branch – either yourself or someone on your behalf
Use a collection locker at participating branches for convenient pick-up
Request home delivery if you’re housebound and registered for our delivery service
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.