Pharmacy First Service at Bramley Pharmacy

At Bramley Pharmacy, we are proud to offer the Pharmacy First Service, a convenient and accessible healthcare service provided under NHS England’s Pharmacy First Scheme. This service allows you to get expert advice, treatment, and even prescriptions for certain common ailments directly from a pharmacist, without needing to visit your GP or A&E.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor illness or need support for ongoing symptoms, our Pharmacy First service is here to help you manage your health needs swiftly and safely.

How It Works

There are three simple ways to access the Pharmacy First Service:

1. Walk-In: Feel free to walk into Bramley Pharmacy during opening hours. Our team of qualified pharmacists will assess your symptoms and provide advice or treatment.

2. Book an Appointment: If you prefer, you can book a consultation in advance via our online booking system. A pharmacist will be available to assess your condition.

3. Eligibility Check Form: Unsure if you are eligible? Fill out our simple online eligibility form, and our team will call you back to guide you through the next steps.

Your Journey Through the Service

1. Step 1: Initial Contact
   Upon walking in or after booking an appointment, you’ll be greeted by one of our trained pharmacists. You’ll provide a brief description of your symptoms and your medical history, including any medications you may be currently using.

2. Step 2: Consultation
   The pharmacist will conduct a thorough consultation, following NHS guidelines and protocols to assess the severity of your symptoms. This will include:

   • A series of checks to confirm whether your condition qualifies for treatment under the Pharmacy First Scheme.

   • A discussion of your symptoms to identify what might be causing them.

   • Any necessary advice on self-care or treatments, including over-the-counter (OTC) options.

3. Step 3: Treatment Plan
   If the pharmacist determines that treatment is appropriate:

   • Prescription: If needed, a prescription will be issued, which will be subject to NHS prescription charges and exemptions.

   • OTC Medication: If OTC treatments are recommended, they can be purchased directly from our pharmacy.

   • If your condition requires more advanced care, the pharmacist will guide you on the best course of action, such as referring you to your GP or A&E if necessary.

Eligibility and Restrictions

The Pharmacy First Service is available to patients who meet specific eligibility criteria, which include age and gender restrictions, depending on the condition. Please review the following restrictions:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

  • Available to women aged 16 to 64 years only.

  • Men are not eligible for UTI treatment under this service, as the condition is more complex in males and requires a GP referral.

• Shingles:

  • Available to adults aged 18 years and over.

  • Pregnant individuals are excluded from this service.

• Impetigo:

  • Available to individuals aged 1 year and over.

  • Pregnant individuals and those with severe forms of impetigo may not be suitable for this service.

• Other Conditions:

  • Conditions like Acute Sore Throat, Acute Sinusitis, and Ear Infections have specific age restrictions, generally applicable to individuals aged 5 years and over or 12 years and over depending on the condition.

For more detailed information on specific eligibility, please review the individual condition sections further down the page or fill out our Eligibility Check Form for a personalized consultation.

Conditions Covered by the Pharmacy First Service

The Pharmacy First Service covers a wide range of minor illnesses and conditions, including:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

• Shingles

• Impetigo

• Infected Insect Bites

• Acute Sore Throat

• Acute Sinusitis

• Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection)

Each of these conditions has specific symptoms, treatment options, and eligibility guidelines, which you will be informed about during your consultation.

Condition Breakdown:

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

• What it is: A common infection affecting the bladder or kidneys.

• Eligibility: Available to women aged 16 to 64 years only.

• Symptoms: Pain when urinating, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine.

• Red Flags: Severe pain, fever, blood in urine, or if you are pregnant—seek immediate medical advice.

• Learn More About UTIs

2. Shingles

• What it is: A viral infection causing a painful rash, usually on one side of the body.

• Eligibility: Available to adults aged 18 years and over. Pregnant individuals are excluded from this service.

• Symptoms: Pain or a burning sensation, followed by a rash with fluid-filled blisters.

• Red Flags: Rash near the eyes, intense pain, or fever—refer to your GP.

• Learn More About Shingles

3. Impetigo

• What it is: A contagious skin infection causing sores and blisters, often around the nose and mouth.

• Eligibility: Available to individuals aged 1 year and over. Pregnant individuals and those with severe forms of impetigo may not be suitable for this service.

• Symptoms: Red sores that burst and form yellow-brown crusts.

• Red Flags: Spread of infection or fever—consult your GP.

• Learn More About Impetigo

4. Infected Insect Bites

• What it is: Infection of a bite or sting from an insect.

• Eligibility: Available to adults and children aged 1 year and over. Pregnant individuals under 16 years are excluded.

• Symptoms: Redness, swelling, pain, and possibly pus.

• Red Flags: Rapid swelling or fever—see a doctor immediately.

• Learn More About Infected Insect Bites

5. Acute Sore Throat

• What it is: Inflammation of the throat, often caused by viral infections.

• Eligibility: Available to individuals aged 5 years and over.

• Symptoms: Pain or scratchy feeling in the throat, difficulty swallowing.

• Red Flags: Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if you have severe fever—see your GP.

• Learn More About Sore Throat

6. Acute Sinusitis

• What it is: Inflammation of the sinuses, often following a cold.

• Eligibility: Available to individuals aged 12 years and over.

• Symptoms: Facial pain, nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell.

• Red Flags: Severe pain or swelling around the eyes or forehead—seek urgent medical attention.

• Learn More About Sinusitis

7. Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection)

• What it is: Infection in the middle ear, commonly affecting children.

• Eligibility: Available to children aged 1 to 17 years.

• Symptoms: Earache, fluid drainage from the ear, fever.

• Red Flags: Severe pain or hearing loss—refer to a doctor.

• Learn More About Ear Infections

Charges and Payment

• NHS Prescription Charges: Treatments that require a prescription will be subject to standard NHS prescription charges, unless you qualify for an exemption.

• Over-the-Counter Medications: If the pharmacist recommends OTC products, these will need to be purchased directly from our pharmacy at regular retail prices.

• Consultation Fees: There are no additional consultation fees for accessing the Pharmacy First Service, but the cost of any recommended treatments will apply.

Private Walk-In Clinic

If you are not strictly eligible for treatment under the NHS Pharmacy First Scheme, we also offer private walk-in consultations. For a small fee, you can receive expert advice and treatment for your condition. If you are unsure of your eligibility or prefer a more personalized consultation, please visit us, and we will assess your needs.

Get Started Today

To begin your journey through the Pharmacy First Service, please choose one of the following options:

• Walk-in: Visit Bramley Pharmacy during our opening hours.

• Book an Appointment: See below

• Check Eligibility: Fill out our eligibility form, and we’ll call you back to discuss your options.

Schedule a consultation for the NHS Pharmacy First Service at Bramley Pharmacy.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at Bramley Pharmacy.