NHS Pharmacy First in Southampton
Treatment for common conditions without waiting for a GP appointment
NHS Pharmacy First at Solent Pharmacy in Shirley, Southampton gives eligible patients access to pharmacist advice and treatment for seven common conditions without waiting for a GP appointment.
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Solent PharmacyWhat it is
NHS Pharmacy First is a national pharmacy service that helps eligible patients access advice and treatment for seven common conditions directly through a participating pharmacy. At Solent Pharmacy in Shirley, Southampton, our pharmacist can assess symptoms, check suitability and advise on the safest next step.
How it works
- Contact or visit the pharmacy: You can ask about Pharmacy First directly, or you may be referred by your GP surgery, NHS 111 or another NHS service.
- Private pharmacist consultation: The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, age, medical history, medicines and any red flag symptoms.
- Advice or treatment: If suitable, the pharmacist can provide NHS advice and treatment under the relevant clinical pathway. If Pharmacy First is not suitable, we will explain where to go next.
Why it matters
Pharmacy First helps local patients in Shirley, Freemantle, Millbrook, Redbridge and Southampton access timely care for common conditions without unnecessary delays. It can reduce pressure on GP appointments while still giving patients safe, clinically checked advice from a trained pharmacist.
NHS Pharmacy First conditions we can assess
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows eligible patients to access advice and treatment for seven common conditions without waiting for a GP appointment. Suitability depends on your symptoms, age, medical history and clinical assessment by the pharmacist.
What happens at the consultation?
The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, check eligibility, look for red flags and explain the best next step. This may include self-care advice, treatment under the NHS pathway where suitable, or referral to another healthcare professional if needed.
Pharmacy First in Southampton
NHS Pharmacy First conditions covered
Solent Pharmacy can support eligible patients with the seven NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathways: earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Age ranges and clinical suitability apply, so the pharmacist will always check whether the service is appropriate before recommending treatment.
Why choose Solent Pharmacy for Pharmacy First?
- Local NHS pharmacy in Shirley, Southampton
- Private consultation space for confidential advice
- Support for patients from Shirley, Freemantle, Millbrook, Redbridge and Southampton city centre
- Clear advice on self-care, treatment and when to seek further medical help
- Convenient access without needing to wait for a GP appointment where the NHS pathway is suitable
When Pharmacy First may not be suitable
Some symptoms need urgent medical attention or a GP assessment. If you are very unwell, pregnant, immunocompromised, have severe symptoms, repeated infections or symptoms outside the NHS pathway, the pharmacist may refer you to another healthcare professional.
Pharmacy First at Solent Pharmacy in Shirley
Solent Pharmacy provides pharmacy first support for patients in Shirley, Southampton and nearby areas including Freemantle, Millbrook, Redbridge and Southampton city centre. Our pharmacy team will explain the service clearly, check suitability where needed, and help you choose the most appropriate next step, whether that is an NHS service, a private appointment or advice from another healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book Pharmacy First online?
Yes. You can book pharmacy first online through this page, or call Solent Pharmacy on 02381 229024 if you need help choosing an appointment.
Is Pharmacy First an NHS or private service?
Pharmacy First is listed as an NHS service at Solent Pharmacy. Eligibility can depend on NHS criteria, symptoms, age, medical history or referral route.
Where is Pharmacy First available in Southampton?
Pharmacy First is available at Solent Pharmacy on St James Road in Shirley, Southampton, serving patients from Shirley, Freemantle, Millbrook, Redbridge and nearby areas.