Find your local pharmacy.

Everyone can go to their pharmacist for free advice or to buy a medication for a minor ailment. Your pharmacist can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor or if self treatment is enough.

They may suggest a treatment that you can purchase from the pharmacy or receive for free through the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme if you qualify. Most pharmacies are open throughout the day and there are some that are also open until midnight and at weekends.

If you qualify for free prescriptions you could receive free treatment from your local participating community pharmacist for the following conditions without having to see your GP.

Who can use this service?

If you have a minor ailment and don’t normally pay NHS prescription charges, then any medicines supplied (if deemed appropriate) under the Pharmacy First Scheme will be free.

If you do pay for your prescriptions, then the cost of the medicine(s) should be much less than the current prescription charges.

No treatment can be provided for children of less than three months of age.

Babies less than three months old should be treated by their GP.

There is no upper age limit so older family members may be included, and of course all children up to 16 years of age and full time students up to 18 years are eligible to use the service.

To find our more please view our information leaflet.