Our Service

NHS Pharmacy First is Here

Get Treated Today

What is Pharmacy First?

the NHS has expanded the role of community pharmacists to help you get treated faster. The Pharmacy First scheme is a national initiative designed to provide clinical assessments and prescription-strength treatments for seven specific conditions without you needing to see a GP or Nurse Practitioner.

Our pharmacists at Accrington Late Night Pharmacy have undergone extensive clinical training to diagnose these ailments. When you visit us, we don’t just “over-the-counter” advice; we provide a full clinical consultation. If your condition requires it, we can issue NHS prescriptions on the spot, ensuring your recovery starts immediately.

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The Patient Journey

Step 1

Arrive & Register

Simply walk into our pharmacy on Blackburn Road. Let a member of our team at the counter know you would like to use the Pharmacy First service.

Step 2

Quick Clinical Triage

Our staff will quickly and discreetly check that your symptoms are covered under the NHS scheme. This ensures you are in the right place to get the best care. If your condition is one of the seven covered (like a UTI, sore throat, or earache), you’ll be placed next in line for a consultation.

Step 3

Private Consultation

Privacy is our priority. You will be invited into our Private Consultation Room—a clean, quiet, and professional space. Here, you can speak openly with our clinical pharmacist about your health. They will perform a clinical assessment, similar to what you would experience at a doctor’s surgery.

Step 4

Expert Care & Treatment

You’ll leave with a clear plan. Depending on your assessment, we provide:
– Expert Advice: Professional self-care guidance.
– Immediate Treatment: Prescriptions issued and dispensed on-site.
– Referrals: A direct link to your GP if further care is needed.

Conditions We Can Treat Under Pharmacy First

If you or your family are experiencing symptoms of the following, our team can provide immediate help:

Shingles

Adults aged 18 years and over

Sore Throats

Adults and children aged 5 years and over

Infected insect bites​

Adults and children aged 1 year and over

Impetigo - skin rash​

Adults and children aged 1 year and over

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women​

Women aged 16 to 64 years

Earache or Infection (Otitis Media)​

Children aged 1 to 17 years

Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)​

Adults and children aged 12 years and over

Prescriptions & Costs

  • The Consultation: Always £0. There is never a charge to speak with our pharmacist or receive an assessment under this NHS scheme.

  • The Medication: If the pharmacist prescribes medication:

    • FREE if you have a valid NHS exemption (e.g., under 16, over 60, or on certain benefits).

    • Standard NHS Charge if you usually pay for your prescriptions. This is the same price you would pay at a GP.

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Pharmacy First service

Why Choose Pharmacy First?

  • Private Assessment:

    You will be invited into our dedicated Private Consultation Room. This is a quiet, confidential space where you can speak freely with the pharmacist.

  • Clinical Review

    The pharmacist will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and any current medications. This ensures the treatment we provide is safe and effective for you.

  • Outcome

    Following the assessment, the pharmacist will either:
    - Provide self-care advice and over-the-counter recommendations.
    - Issue a prescription for antibiotics or other clinical treatments.
    - Refer you to a GP or A&E if your symptoms suggest a more complex issue.

Pharmacy First FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions.​

The consultation is a free NHS service. If you are normally exempt from NHS prescription charges (e.g., you have a valid HC2 certificate, are over 60, or under 16), your medication will be free. If you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS levy will apply.

You can use our Pharmacy First service regardless of which GP surgery you are registered with, provided you are registered with an NHS GP in the UK.

Our Pharmacy First service covers a range of common conditions, including:
  • Shingles
  • Sore throats
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women
  • Minor skin conditions
  • Allergies
  • Pain management for headaches or general discomfort
  • Digestive issues like indigestion and heartburn