Get help from a local pharmacy
Your local community pharmacy can help with a range of common health needs — often without an appointment. This can be a quick way to get advice and treatment, and it helps keep GP appointments available for patients who need them most.
Use the link below to learn more about community pharmacy services and to find a pharmacy near you:
Find a local pharmacy and see what services are available:
https://communitypharmacy.org.uk/
Pharmacy First (assessment for common illnesses)
Pharmacists can assess symptoms and offer advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses. If needed, they can also advise you if you should contact the GP practice or another service.
Examples of what pharmacies commonly help with include:
Sore throat
Earache
Sinus pain
Infected insect bites
Impetigo
Shingles
Uncomplicated urine infections (UTIs) in women (where appropriate)
(Availability can vary by pharmacy.)
Contraception services
Many pharmacies can provide contraception advice and services, including:
Starting or continuing the oral contraceptive pill (where available)
Advice about different contraception options
Signposting to specialist services if needed
Blood pressure checks
Some pharmacies offer blood pressure checks, which can help identify high blood pressure early.
This may be useful if you:
Have been asked to monitor your blood pressure
Are over a certain age or at higher risk
Want a convenient check without booking a GP appointment
When to contact the practice or urgent services instead
If you are very unwell, symptoms are severe, or you need urgent help:
Call 999 for emergencies (e.g., chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, signs of stroke).
Use NHS 111 for urgent advice when the practice is closed, or if you’re not sure what to do.
