Reviewed by Anna Healthcare, GPhC-registered — 1036459
Most community pharmacies in England offer NHS Pharmacy First, so you can usually get advice and treatment for seven common conditions in Mitcham without seeing a GP first. This guide explains which pharmacies offer the service, what a pharmacist can treat and how to find a local pharmacy.
Quick answer
Pharmacy First covers sore throat, sinusitis, earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles and uncomplicated UTIs in women. You do not need a GP referral. Check the NHS website for participating pharmacies in Mitcham, or visit Anna Pharmacy in Hackbridge, a short train ride away.
Which Pharmacies Do Pharmacy First in Mitcham?
Most do. When the service launched, more than 95 per cent of pharmacies in England signed up, so a pharmacy near you in Mitcham is very likely to offer it.
How Do You Find an NHS Pharmacy First Service in Mitcham?
Start with the NHS Find a Pharmacy tool. It lists nearby pharmacies, their opening times and the services they provide. Before visiting, call the pharmacy to confirm that it offers Pharmacy First and has a pharmacist available to assess your symptoms.
What Can You Get Treated Under Pharmacy First in Mitcham?
Pharmacists can assess seven common conditions and supply prescription medicines when clinically appropriate. The NHS England guidance on Pharmacy First sets out the eligibility criteria and age limits:
- sore throat, ages 5 and over
- sinusitis, ages 12 and over
- earache, ages 1 to 17
- impetigo, ages 1 and over, for red sores and crusting skin
- infected insect bites, ages 1 and over, for swelling, redness or pus
- shingles, ages 18 and over
- uncomplicated UTIs, women aged 16 to 64
If your symptoms do not meet the criteria for a particular pathway, the pharmacist can advise you on the most appropriate next step.
Where Can You Get Sore Throat Treatment in Mitcham?
Pharmacy First covers sore throat treatment for people aged 5 and over. During your consultation, the pharmacist may use a scoring tool such as FeverPAIN to assess your symptoms and decide whether antibiotics are appropriate. Antibiotics are reserved for people who are most likely to benefit from them.
Is There Sinusitis Treatment at a Pharmacy Near Mitcham?
Yes. People aged 12 and over can be assessed for sinusitis through Pharmacy First. Common symptoms include facial pain, a blocked nose and thick, discoloured mucus. Antibiotics are not usually needed, and a steroid nasal spray may be recommended to manage symptoms.
Can You Get Shingles Antiviral Treatment at a Mitcham Pharmacy?
Yes, for adults. The NHS advises seeing a pharmacist within three days of the rash appearing, because antivirals work best when started early. Look for a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body, as a rash on both sides is unlikely to be shingles.
Why See a Pharmacist Without a GP in Mitcham?
It is quicker and frees GP appointments for complex needs. You also receive:
- a private consultation with a pharmacist
- advice and, if needed, a prescription medicine
- self-care and safety netting advice on when to seek more help
- an electronic update sent to your GP surgery
How Do You Get a Pharmacy First Appointment?
Pharmacy First in Mitcham usually needs no appointment, but some pharmacies also take online bookings or accept walk-ins. No GP referral is needed.
- Find a pharmacy on the NHS website.
- Walk in, or phone to ask about an appointment.
- Describe your symptoms in a private consultation and mention any medicines or allergies.
- Receive treatment or advice, or a GP referral if needed.
Get Pharmacy First Advice Near Mitcham
Book your Pharmacy First consultation online or visit Anna Pharmacy at 186 London Road, Hackbridge, near Mitcham. Whether you have a sore throat, sinusitis symptoms or a shingles rash, our pharmacists can assess your symptoms, recommend suitable treatment and advise you on the next steps.
Read more about our Pharmacy First service, or contact your nearest branch to find out how we can help.
Medical disclaimer: This article offers general information only and does not replace advice from a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111. If you are worried about your symptoms, seek help promptly. In an emergency, call 999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Pharmacy First free?
Ans. The consultation is an NHS service. NHS prescription charges apply if you normally pay for prescribed medicines, and the usual exemptions apply.
Q. Will my GP know about my pharmacy visit?
Ans. Yes. The pharmacy sends an electronic message to your GP surgery so your record is updated, as Community Pharmacy England explains.
Q. What happens if the pharmacist cannot help me?
Ans. They will direct you to your GP surgery or another health professional. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, 999.
Q. Can men use the Pharmacy First UTI service?
Ans. No. The urinary tract infection pathway covers women aged 16 to 64 only, so anyone outside that group should speak to a GP or call NHS 111.
Q. Can a pharmacist help with conditions that are not covered by Pharmacy First?
Ans. Yes. Pharmacists can still give advice on many minor illnesses, such as coughs and colds, and recommend suitable over the counter treatments. If your symptoms need a GP or urgent care, they will tell you so.