Pharmacy First Southampton: 7 Conditions Your Pharmacist Can Help With

NHS Pharmacy First gives eligible patients a convenient way to get clinical advice and, where appropriate, treatment for seven common conditions without arranging a GP appointment first. At Solent Pharmacy in Shirley, Southampton, consultations are provided by a pharmacist in a confidential setting.

The service follows NHS clinical pathways. This means treatment is not automatic: the pharmacist asks about your symptoms, checks that the pathway is suitable and decides whether self-care advice, a medicine or referral to another healthcare professional is the safest next step.

Which conditions are included in Pharmacy First?

The seven NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathways and their usual age ranges are:

• Earache or acute otitis media: children and young people aged 1 to 17 years.
• Impetigo: adults and children aged 1 year and over.
• Infected insect bites: adults and children aged 1 year and over.
• Shingles: adults aged 18 years and over.
• Sinusitis: adults and children aged 12 years and over.
• Sore throat: adults and children aged 5 years and over.
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: women aged 16 to 64 years.

Age is only one part of eligibility. Pregnancy, existing conditions, current medicines, the severity and duration of symptoms, and other clinical factors can affect the most appropriate route of care.

What happens during a Pharmacy First consultation?

The pharmacist will ask focused questions about when your symptoms started, how they have changed and whether you have any warning signs. They may also ask about allergies, regular medicines and relevant medical history. For some conditions, an examination or observation may be needed.

At the end of the consultation, you may receive self-care advice, an over-the-counter recommendation, an NHS medicine where clinically appropriate, or a referral to your GP, NHS 111 or urgent care. Antibiotics are not always needed and will only be supplied when the clinical pathway indicates that they are appropriate.

Do I need a GP referral?

You can normally approach a participating pharmacy directly for one of the seven clinical pathways. Referrals can also come from a GP practice, NHS 111 or another urgent care service. Calling Solent Pharmacy before travelling is sensible if you want to confirm pharmacist availability.

What should I bring?

Bring details of regular medicines, allergies and relevant medical conditions. If the consultation is for a child, the person attending should be able to provide accurate information about symptoms and medical history. Having your NHS number can be useful, although the pharmacy team can advise if any additional information is needed.

When should I seek urgent help instead?

Pharmacy First is intended for defined, uncomplicated presentations. Call 999 for life-threatening symptoms such as severe breathing difficulty, collapse, confusion or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Use NHS 111 or urgent medical care when symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, involve significant dehydration, or you are worried that someone is seriously unwell.

Pharmacy First in Shirley and Southampton

Solent Pharmacy is located at 9 St James Road, Shirley, Southampton, SO15 5FB. We support patients from Shirley, Freemantle, Millbrook, Redbridge, Southampton city centre and surrounding areas.

Explore our individual guidance for earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and UTIs in women, or contact the pharmacy team for advice.

How to decide where to seek help

Choosing the right service can save time, but it is important not to delay urgent care. The following guide can help:

Does Pharmacy First mean free medicine?

The pharmacist consultation is provided through the NHS service when you are eligible. If an NHS medicine is supplied, normal NHS prescription charge and exemption rules apply. Children and people who are exempt from NHS prescription charges will continue to receive eligible NHS medicines without paying a prescription charge.

Sometimes the most appropriate option is an over-the-counter product rather than an NHS prescription medicine. The pharmacist will explain the available choices before you decide.

Can I walk in, or should I book?

You can contact the pharmacy directly about Pharmacy First, but pharmacist availability and consultation demand can vary during the day. Booking online or calling 02381 229024 before travelling can reduce waiting and lets the team confirm that the service is operating at that time.

Solent Pharmacy is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00. Opening hours can change on bank holidays, so check before making a special journey.

What happens after treatment?

You will receive safety-netting advice explaining what improvement to expect and when to seek further help. Follow the supplied directions carefully and complete any prescribed course unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise. Contact the pharmacy or the recommended healthcare service if symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear or you do not improve within the timeframe discussed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pharmacy First an NHS service?

Yes. Pharmacy First is an NHS service in England. Normal NHS prescription charge rules may apply when an NHS medicine is supplied.

Will I always receive medicine?

No. The pharmacist will recommend the safest suitable outcome, which may be self-care, treatment or referral.

Can the pharmacist update my GP record?

Relevant consultation information is shared with your GP record through approved NHS systems where appropriate.

Clinical source: NHS guidance on how pharmacies can help. Information is general and does not replace an individual assessment.