Pharmacy First at The Family Chemist: Faster Treatment When You Need It 

Getting a GP appointment can be difficult, especially when dealing with illnesses which might need urgent advice or treatment. At The Family Chemist, we are proud to offer the NHS Pharmacy First service for NHS England patients. Helping you access trusted care quickly, conveniently, and free of charge through the NHS.  

What is Pharmacy First? 

Pharmacy First is a service designed to allow pharmacies, such as The Family Chemist, to treat a set range of common health conditions quickly without the patient needing to wait for a GP appointment. It gives patients speedy access to care and treatments. Easing pressure on GP surgeries, and allowing patients to find the help they need easily.  

Through Pharmacy First, our trained pharmacists can carry out consultations, assess symptoms, advise on the best course of action, and, where appropriate, supply NHS-approved medications. All from the comfort of your home.  

How Does Pharmacy First Work?  

You can use Pharmacy First with The Family Chemist simply and from the comfort of your home.  

Start by visiting our Pharmacy First page on the website, where you can find detailed information about the six conditions we treat.  

Reading through the information provided can help you match the symptoms you experience with those that can be treated. If you find that the symptoms listed closely match those listed, then complete a short checker.  

From here, you’ll be invited to book a private one-to-one video call with one of our experienced pharmacists.  

During the call, the pharmacist will ask you a couple of questions to understand your symptoms. Then they’ll find what treatment might work for you. Tailoring your treatment directly for you. If they believe treatment is needed, then they can provide you suitable medication as quickly as that. This medication will be dispensed on site and sent out to you as quickly as possible directly to your door, free of charge. While the usual cost of NHS prescriptions will still apply, if you are prescribed treatment, there will be no cost to have this delivered. If you are exempt from paying for NHS prescriptions, then your Pharmacy First prescription will also be exempt.  

If your illness will not benefit from our treatments, or if it requires escalation to another service, we’ll let you know exactly what steps to take. A full record will also be captured and shared with your GP, so your care is continuous without unnecessary stops.  

Why Choose Pharmacy First at The Family Chemist? 

Pharmacy First is about making NHS care more accessible. Choosing The Family Chemist gives you added convenience and confidence in your treatment.  

There’s no need to book GP appointments, and no need to leave the comfort of your couch. Saving time and reducing stress when it’s important.  

You’ll receive clinical advice from trained professionals who have undergone specialised training in the listed conditions.  

Your call with the pharmacist is fully confidential, professional, and focused on your individual needs. Medication is delivered directly to your door, so there’s no need to visit a pharmacy in person unless advised.  

By using Pharmacy First, you are helping to reduce pressure on GP practices and emergency services, so they can focus on more complex cases. And by using The Family Chemist, you can reduce your own stress by accessing clinical care quickly and easily.  

Who Can Be Treated?  

The Pharmacy First service holds its own eligibility criteria which pharmacists and clinicians will use to ensure full patient safety and effective treatment. These criteria could vary from one condition to the next. If we find Pharmacy First is not suitable for you, then we’ll always let you know why, and signpost you to the right care.

Patients who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or are taking certain medications may find that this service is not the right fit for you. We’ll take all of this into consideration in our assessments. Our aim is not just speed, but to make sure you are getting the right care and support.  

The Bottom Line 

If you are experiencing a minor health condition such as a UTI, or sinusitis, then Pharmacy First at The Family Chemist could be the right choice for you. Check your symptoms against out online information and book your online call. NHS Pharmacy First helps you get the right care, at the right time.  

Access the care you need, quickly, easily, and without compromising with quality.