With doctors’ appointments difficult to book across the UK, it’s worth knowing which conditions you can visit a pharmacy for.
Pharmacies are known for selling products as well as organising and issuing prescriptions, but you can now go to your local pharmacy for certain health conditions, meaning you don’t need to see a doctor.
Rhysa Phommachanh, health and personal care specialist at Landys Chemist, said: “The expansion of the NHS Pharmacy First service means patients will soon be able to access treatment for five additional conditions at participating pharmacies.
“But Pharmacy First isn’t the only way your local pharmacist can support your health.
“Pharmacists are highly trained professionals and can offer expert clinical advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of conditions.
“If symptoms suggest something more serious, they can also guide you on when to seek further help from a GP or another healthcare professional.”
12 conditions you can see a pharmacist for
Skip the queue on the phone to your doctor’s surgery and visit your pharmacist for these 12 conditions instead:
- Allergies and rhinitis - seasonal allergies, rhinitis, reactions to dust mites, pet dander and mould.
- Cold, flu and respiratory symptoms - cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, fever and other respiratory symptoms.
- Headaches, migraines and minor aches - headaches, migraines, muscle aches, joint pain and other minor aches and pains.
- Digestive issues - indigestion, heartburn, diarrhoea and constipation.
- Skin conditions - acne, scabies, minor rashes, insect bites, impetigo and other minor skin concerns.
- Minor infections - UTIs, shingles, and other infections that pharmacists can assess and treat.
- Eye conditions - red or irritated eyes and minor eye infections.
- Ear problems - ear infections, earaches and earwax build-up.
- Minor injuries - cuts, abrasions, bruises, sprains, and strains.
- Oral health - mouth ulcers, cold sores, gingivitis and other minor oral health concerns.
- Contraception and sexual health - emergency contraception, contraception advice and sexual health support.
- Health checks and vaccinations - blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks, flu vaccinations, travel vaccines and other preventative health services.
How to live longer
Rhysa Phommachanh adds: “While pharmacists are valuable resources for advice on over-the-counter medications and minor illnesses, it's crucial to consult a doctor, call 111, or visit A&E in an emergency if your symptoms are severe or if you have any doubts.
“While pharmacists can't diagnose complex conditions, turning to them for minor issues helps ease the pressure on GPs, allowing doctors to focus on patients with more urgent needs.”
Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy and superintendent pharmacist at Chemist4U, said: “Many people are still unaware of how pharmacists can support you and your health, without necessarily needing to make a GP appointment.
“The NHS Pharmacy First service launched in 2024, meaning pharmacies can now provide a wide range of treatments to the public, from sinusitis and a sore throat to earache and impetigo.”
Pharmacists are an essential part of the NHS team, helping people across the country to live longer and healthier lives.
This World Pharmacists Day, thank you to all pharmacists for their hard work, expertise and knowledge! 💙 pic.twitter.com/lVZiqcF0G7— NHS England (@NHSEngland) September 25, 2026
How to see a pharmacist instead of a doctor
Mr Murphy reassures patients that seeing a pharmacist is easy to do: “For eligible patients, the process couldn’t be more straightforward.
“You can walk into any participating pharmacy or arrange a consultation with an online pharmacy, speak to a pharmacist and receive expert advice on a range of conditions.”
He adds: “If appropriate, your pharmacist can then prescribe you medicines such as antibiotics or antivirals to help with your treatment and recovery.
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“The NHS Pharmacy First service is not about replacing GPs but instead offering you the option to visit a healthcare professional as quickly as possible for conditions that fall within the service.
“Pharmacists are expertly trained to recognise symptoms that may require you to visit a GP, hospital or urgent care centre, and ensure you receive the right care from the right healthcare professional.
“As frontline healthcare continues to evolve, pharmacists are becoming more central to patient care, offering convenient access to expert advice, treatment, and ongoing support.”
Do you think the Pharmacy First scheme is a good idea? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
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