NHS Pharmacy First Service

Common Symptoms: Burning or stinging sensation when urinating, needing to pee more urgently or frequently than usual, cloudy urine, or dull lower pelvic aching.

What the Pharmacist Does: We perform a structured clinical assessment to confirm an uncomplicated lower UTI and rule out upper urinary tract or kidney involvement. If clinically appropriate, we can supply first-line NHS prescription antibiotics (such as Nitrofurantoin) without GP delay.

Common Symptoms: Severe throat pain, painful swallowing, swollen tonsils, fever, or tender glands in the neck.

What the Pharmacist Does: We examine the throat using diagnostic lighting and evaluate clinical criteria (Centor or FeverPAIN score) to determine whether the infection is likely viral or bacterial. If bacterial tonsillitis is indicated, NHS prescription antibiotics (such as Phenoxymethylpenicillin) are dispensed.

Common Symptoms: Facial pain and pressure around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead, blocked or runny nose with discoloured discharge, reduced sense of smell, persisting for more than 10 days.

What the Pharmacist Does: We evaluate the duration and severity of your sinus symptoms. If acute bacterial rhinosinusitis is diagnosed, we can prescribe steroid nasal sprays or antibiotics where appropriate.

Common Symptoms: Earache, pulling or rubbing at the ear, irritability, high temperature, or slight temporary hearing reduction.

What the Pharmacist Does: We gently examine inside the child's ear canal with an illuminated otoscope to assess the eardrum for redness, bulging, or fluid. Prescription antibiotics are provided for middle ear infections meeting clinical criteria.

Common Symptoms: Red sores or blisters that burst rapidly, leaving crusty golden-brown patches, commonly around the nose and mouth.

What the Pharmacist Does: We examine the affected skin lesions. For localized non-bullous impetigo, hydrogen peroxide cream or topical antibiotics are supplied. Oral antibiotics are dispensed for widespread cases.

Common Symptoms: Tingling, burning skin pain followed by a cluster of fluid-filled blisters appearing in a distinctive band or patch on one side of the torso or face.

What the Pharmacist Does: Prompt assessment is vital (ideally within 72 hours of rash onset). We prescribe antiviral tablets (such as Aciclovir or Valaciclovir) to shorten the infection and reduce the risk of long-term nerve pain.

Common Symptoms: Bite marks that become increasingly swollen, hot to touch, painful, and red, with redness spreading outwards or developing pus.

What the Pharmacist Does: We measure and monitor the spreading erythema. Where secondary bacterial infection (cellulitis) is present, we prescribe oral antibiotics (such as Flucloxacillin or Clarithromycin).