Pharmacy First at Carrington Pharmacy — Fast, Expert Treatment for Common Conditions Without a GP Appointment
The Pharmacy First service allows you to receive treatment for a range of common conditions directly from your pharmacist — without needing to see your GP. At Carrington Pharmacy, we provide quick, professional, and convenient access to assessments and treatments for minor illnesses, helping you get the care you need sooner.
Our trained pharmacists can offer advice, supply appropriate medication, or prescribe treatments (where applicable) for several common conditions. This service is designed to save you time, reduce pressure on GP practices, and give you fast access to expert healthcare.
Pharmacy First is an NHS-funded service that empowers community pharmacies to provide clinical assessments and treatments for mild to moderate conditions. You can walk in or book an appointment and speak to a qualified pharmacist in a private consultation room.
This means:
No GP appointment needed
No long waiting times
Professional assessment and treatment on the same day
Safe, confidential care from trained clinicians
It’s a fast and accessible alternative for minor ailments that don’t require a doctor’s visit.
At Carrington Pharmacy, our pharmacists can assess and treat a range of common illnesses, including:
Assessment of symptoms such as congestion, facial pain, and pressure, with treatments available where appropriate.
We can examine symptoms and provide treatment options including specific medications if required.
Suitable for adults and children over 1 year. We assess the cause and provide effective solutions to ease discomfort.
If you have swelling, redness, or infection, we can supply appropriate medication.
A common skin infection, especially in children. We can diagnose and provide treatments without needing to visit your GP.
We can assess the rash and symptoms and prescribe antiviral medication where clinically appropriate.
For women aged 16–64, we can assess symptoms and supply antibiotics when suitable.
This list covers the core Pharmacy First conditions approved by the NHS.
Your assessment will take place in a private consultation room and typically lasts 5–15 minutes. Here’s how your appointment will work:
Your pharmacist will ask about:
Symptoms and duration
Your medical history
Any medication you are taking
Relevant lifestyle or contributing factors
This helps us make an accurate diagnosis and determine suitable treatment.
For some conditions — such as sore throat, earache, or skin issues — the pharmacist may perform a brief physical examination.
Depending on your symptoms and eligibility, we may provide:
Advice and self-care guidance
Over-the-counter treatments
Prescription-only medications (supplied directly by the pharmacist)
Referral to a GP or another service if necessary
Most patients receive treatment on the same day.
We ensure you understand:
How to take any medication
Warning signs to look out for
When to seek further medical help
How to prevent the condition reoccurring
Your wellbeing is always our priority.
No need to wait days or weeks for a GP appointment — we’re here when you need us.
Our pharmacists are highly trained in diagnosing minor illnesses and supplying treatments safely.
All assessments are confidential and carried out in a comfortable, professional space.
As an NHS service, consultations and treatments may be free depending on NHS exemptions.
By treating minor conditions locally, you help free up GP capacity for more complex cases.
Convenient, accessible care right in your community — no long travel or waiting.
Pharmacy First is available to anyone seeking help for one of the listed conditions, including:
Adults
Teenagers
Children (age restrictions apply depending on the condition)
If your condition isn’t suitable for Pharmacy First, we’ll advise on the best next steps — whether that’s over-the-counter medication or a GP referral.
Pharmacy First is ideal for mild to moderate symptoms. However, you should contact your GP or NHS 111 if you experience:
Severe or worsening symptoms
High fever that won’t go down
Breathing difficulties
Persistent symptoms lasting more than several days
Repeated infections
If your situation is urgent, call NHS 111 immediately.
As well as treating minor conditions, Carrington Pharmacy offers a wide range of additional services, including:
Blood pressure checks
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
Weight management support
Stop smoking services
Contraception and emergency contraception
Private prescriptions
Travel health advice
We’re here to support your wellbeing with convenient, expert care.
If you’re experiencing a minor illness and want fast, trusted care, the Pharmacy First service is here to help. Our friendly pharmacy team is ready to assess your symptoms and provide effective treatment without delay.
Visit us in-store, call for availability, or walk in for a same-day Pharmacy First consultation.
Carrington Pharmacy — your first stop for fast, professional healthcare.
