As a GP working in a busy practice, winter brings one of our biggest challenges—the overwhelming demand for appointments. Many of the cases we see involve minor illnesses like coughs, sore throats, and mild infections—conditions that can often be treated quickly and efficiently through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
We know some of you feel frustrated, and we hear you. We want to be there for everyone who needs us, but with the high demand, it’s impossible to see every patient for every minor illness. This means we risk missing serious conditions and delays in care for those who truly need urgent GP attention.
We want to support our patients in the best way possible—and that means working together to make sure everyone gets the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
NHS Pharmacy First – Quick & Easy Access to Treatment!
Did you know that you don’t always need to see a GP for common health concerns? With the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, your local pharmacist can now provide expert advice and treatment for a range of minor conditions – including sore throats, ear infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
This means faster access to care, reducing pressure on GP surgeries while ensuring you get the treatment you need.
If you need ANTIBIOTIC you will be prescribed!
What Can Be Treated Under Pharmacy First:
Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
Ear infections (for children aged 1-17)
Sinus infections (aged 12 years and over)
Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
Shingles ( aged 18 years and over)
Uncomplicated UTIs (for women aged 16-64)
Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
If you are not in these age groups you can still get advice and treatment form your pharmacy but if you need antibiotics you will be directed to us.
Do I Need an Appointment?
No! Just visit a participating pharmacy, and the pharmacist will assess your symptoms in a private consultation room. If needed, they can provide over-the-counter treatments or, where appropriate, issue a prescription for antibiotic—without you needing to see a doctor!
If you live in Ruskington, your closest pharmacy will be CO-OP Ruskington
https://www.lincolnshire.coop/
How Does It Work?
1️ Walk into a Pharmacy First-participating pharmacy
2️ Have a confidential consultation with a trained pharmacist
3️ Receive advice, treatment, or antibiotics (if necessary)
Why Use Pharmacy First?
Quick & Convenient – No GP appointment needed
Expert Advice – Pharmacists are highly trained professionals
Free Up GP Appointments – Helps GPs focus on more serious cases
Easier Access to Treatment – Especially for minor conditions
When Should You Still See a GP?
If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or not improving with pharmacist-recommended treatments, you should book an appointment with your GP.
See here : https://lincolnshire.icb.nhs.
