NHS Pharmacy First Service at Wigan Road Pharmacy

Accessing healthcare for common illnesses should be simple, fast, and convenient.
At Wigan Road Pharmacy, our
NHS Pharmacy First Service allows eligible patients to receive expert assessment, treatment, and professional healthcare advice directly from a pharmacist — without needing a GP appointment.

Pharmacy First is designed to help patients receive timely care for a range of common conditions while reducing pressure on GP surgeries and accident and emergency departments.
Through this NHS-funded service, our trained pharmacists can assess symptoms, recommend treatment, and where clinically appropriate, supply prescription-only medicines directly from the pharmacy.

The service is quick, confidential, and completely free for eligible patients registered with a GP in England.
In many cases, you can walk into Wigan Road Pharmacy, receive a professional consultation, and leave with the treatment you need in a single visit.

What Is the NHS Pharmacy First Service?

The NHS Pharmacy First Service is a national healthcare initiative introduced to improve access to treatment for common health conditions.

Traditionally, many patients would need to wait for a GP appointment for conditions that could safely and effectively be managed by a community pharmacist.
Pharmacy First changes this by allowing specially trained pharmacists to assess and treat certain conditions directly.

Under the service, pharmacists can:

• Carry out clinical assessments
• Provide healthcare advice and self-care guidance
• Recommend over-the-counter treatments
• Supply prescription-only medication where appropriate
• Refer patients to a GP or urgent care service if necessary

Community pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals with extensive expertise in medicines and minor illness management.
Pharmacy First helps patients receive faster access to care while supporting the wider NHS healthcare system.

What Conditions Are Covered Under Pharmacy First?

The NHS Pharmacy First Service currently allows pharmacists to assess and treat seven common conditions.

These conditions include:

1. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinuses, often following a cold or respiratory infection.

Symptoms may include:

• Facial pain or pressure
• Blocked or runny nose
• Headache
• Reduced sense of smell
• Fever

Our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and determine whether treatment or further medical referral is required.

2. Sore Throat

Sore throats are extremely common and are often caused by viral infections.
In some cases, bacterial infections may require additional treatment.

Symptoms can include:

• Pain or irritation in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands
• Fever

Our pharmacists may use clinical assessment tools to determine whether antibiotics or supportive treatment may be appropriate.

3. Earache

Ear pain can affect both children and adults and may be caused by infection, inflammation, or fluid build-up.

Symptoms may include:

• Ear pain or discomfort
• Reduced hearing
• Fever
• Irritability in children

Pharmacists can assess symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment or referral if necessary.

4. Infected Insect Bites

Insect bites occasionally become infected, leading to redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discharge.

Through Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess infected bites and provide treatment where clinically appropriate.

5. Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly affects young children but can occur at any age.

Symptoms may include:

• Red sores or blisters
• Golden or honey-coloured crusts
• Itching or discomfort

Prompt treatment can help reduce spread and speed recovery.

6. Shingles

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus and usually presents as a painful rash affecting one side of the body.

Early treatment is important to help reduce symptom severity and complications.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or tingling
• Blistering rash
• Sensitivity to touch
• Itching

7. Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Women aged within the NHS eligibility criteria may receive treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections directly through Pharmacy First.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or burning when urinating
• Frequent urination
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Our pharmacists can assess symptoms and determine whether treatment is suitable or whether further medical investigation is required.

How the Pharmacy First Service Works

Using the Pharmacy First Service at Wigan Road Pharmacy is simple and convenient.

Step 1 – Visit the Pharmacy

You can walk into our pharmacy without needing a GP appointment.

Our team will arrange for you to speak with a pharmacist in a private consultation room.

Step 2 – Discuss Your Symptoms

The pharmacist will ask questions about:

• Your symptoms
• When symptoms started
• Your medical history
• Current medications
• Any allergies

This helps ensure treatment recommendations are safe and appropriate for you.

Step 3 – Clinical Assessment

Depending on your condition, the pharmacist may perform a brief clinical assessment.

Examples may include:

• Checking your throat
• Assessing skin infections
• Reviewing symptoms of urinary infections
• Evaluating severity of symptoms

Step 4 – Treatment

If appropriate, the pharmacist may:

• Supply prescription-only medicines
• Recommend over-the-counter products
• Provide self-care advice
• Explain how to use medication correctly

Step 5 – Referral if Needed

If your condition requires further investigation or treatment beyond the scope of Pharmacy First, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP, urgent care service, or another healthcare professional.

Most consultations take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Benefits of Using Pharmacy First

The NHS Pharmacy First Service offers several important benefits for patients and the wider healthcare system.

Fast Access to Treatment

Many patients can receive same-day treatment without waiting for a GP appointment.

Free NHS Service

Pharmacy First consultations are funded by the NHS and available free of charge to eligible patients.

Convenient Local Healthcare

Community pharmacies are often easier to access than GP surgeries and may offer extended opening hours, including evenings and weekends.

Expert Clinical Advice

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals with specialist knowledge of medicines and minor illness management.

Reduced Pressure on GP Surgeries

Pharmacy First helps free up GP appointments for patients with more complex medical needs.

Immediate Medication Supply

Eligible patients may receive prescription-strength medication directly from the pharmacy during the same visit.

Who Can Use the Pharmacy First Service?

The NHS Pharmacy First Service is available to patients registered with a GP in England.

Eligibility may vary slightly depending on the condition being treated and NHS clinical guidelines.

Children under 16 may need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the consultation.

You do not need a referral from your GP to access Pharmacy First.
Simply visit Wigan Road Pharmacy and speak with our team.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

At Wigan Road Pharmacy, consultations are carried out professionally and confidentially in a private consultation room.

During your appointment, our pharmacist will:

• Listen carefully to your concerns
• Assess your symptoms
• Review your medical history
• Check for medication interactions or allergies
• Discuss suitable treatment options

If medication is supplied, the pharmacist will explain:

• How to take the medicine correctly
• Possible side effects
• How long recovery may take
• When to seek further medical advice

Your consultation details may also be shared securely with your GP practice to ensure continuity of care and updated medical records.

Why Choose Wigan Road Pharmacy for Pharmacy First?

At Wigan Road Pharmacy, we are committed to providing accessible, professional, and patient-focused healthcare services within the community.

Benefits of using our Pharmacy First Service include:

• Experienced NHS-trained pharmacists
• Walk-in appointments available
• Private consultation rooms
• Convenient local pharmacy access
• Fast same-day treatment
• Prescription medication supplied where appropriate
• Friendly and confidential healthcare support
• Extended opening hours at selected times

Visit Wigan Road Pharmacy Today

If you are experiencing symptoms of a common health condition, you may not need to wait for a GP appointment.

Visit Wigan Road Pharmacy today to access the NHS Pharmacy First Service and receive fast, professional healthcare advice and treatment from our experienced pharmacy team.

We are proud to support our local community with convenient NHS healthcare services designed to make treatment faster, easier, and more accessible for everyone.