NHS Pharmacy First
FREE NHS SERVICESee our pharmacist for seven common conditions without waiting for a GP appointment. The consultation is free on the NHS, happens in our private room, and where clinically appropriate we can supply treatment on the spot, including certain prescription medicines. Walk in, call, or book a time that suits you.
Free NHS consultation. Book online in under a minute, or walk in whenever we are open.- Walk in or book
- Private consultation
- Treatment or advice
- Free NHS service
- No GP appointment needed
- Private consultation room
The service
What is NHS Pharmacy First?
NHS Pharmacy First lets you get expert help for seven common conditions directly from our pharmacist, without waiting for a GP appointment. The consultation is free, happens in our private consultation room, and where it is clinically appropriate our pharmacist can supply treatment on the spot, including certain prescription medicines under NHS agreed protocols.
You can walk in, book ahead, or be referred to us by your GP practice or NHS 111. After your consultation we update your GP record, so your care stays joined up.
What we can treat
Seven conditions, treated on the spot
Each condition has NHS eligibility ages. Our pharmacist assesses you first and supplies treatment only where it is clinically appropriate, in line with NHS protocols. If your situation needs a GP or urgent care instead, we will tell you straight away and point you to the right place.
Sore throat
Ages 5 and overPainful, red or swollen throat. Our pharmacist examines your throat and supplies treatment where appropriate, including antibiotics if NHS criteria are met.
Book nowEarache
Ages 1 to 17Ear pain in children and teenagers. Our pharmacist can examine the ear and treat middle ear infections where clinically appropriate.
Book nowSinusitis
Ages 12 and overFacial pain or pressure, a blocked nose and thick discharge lasting days. Assessed and treated in line with NHS protocols.
Book nowUrine infections (UTI)
Women 16 to 64Burning when passing urine, urgency and lower tummy ache. Uncomplicated infections can be treated on the spot where appropriate.
Book nowInfected insect bites
Ages 1 and overBites or stings that have become red, swollen, hot or painful rather than settling. Assessed and treated where clinically appropriate.
Book nowImpetigo
Ages 1 and overA contagious skin infection causing sores and golden crusts, common in children. Treated promptly to stop it spreading.
Book nowShingles
Ages 18 and overA painful, blistering rash on one side of the body. Early treatment matters, so come in as soon as the rash appears.
Book nowSimple and quick
How it works
Walk in or book
Book a time online in under a minute, or walk in to Erdington Community Pharmacy at 213 High Street. GP practices and NHS 111 can also refer you to us directly.
Private consultation
Our pharmacist sees you in a private consultation room, asks about your symptoms and health, and examines where needed, such as checking a sore throat or an ear.
Treatment or advice
Where clinically appropriate you leave with treatment there and then, including certain prescription medicines under NHS protocols. Otherwise you get clear advice or a referral to the right care.
The consultation is always free. If a medicine is supplied, normal NHS prescription charges apply unless you are exempt, just like a GP prescription. We update your GP record after your visit so your care stays joined up.
Good to know
Who can use the service
- Anyone within the eligibility ages for each condition, whether or not you use our pharmacy normally
- Walk-ins, booked appointments, and referrals from GP practices and NHS 111
- Parents and carers can bring children within the age ranges shown
- You do not need to see a GP first, and you do not need a prescription to be treated
When you need urgent care instead
Pharmacy First is for common, uncomplicated conditions. Seek urgent help instead if any of the following apply.
- Difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- A child who is floppy, drowsy, has a rash that does not fade under a glass, or is getting worse quickly
- Severe pain, confusion, or feeling extremely unwell
- Symptoms that keep getting worse despite treatment
Call 999 in an emergency. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, call NHS 111, who can also refer you to us if Pharmacy First is the right route.
Your local pharmacy
Why Erdington Community Pharmacy
NHS commissioned service
We provide Pharmacy First on behalf of the NHS, following the same clinical protocols as every provider in England.
GPhC-registered pharmacy
Premises No. 1107990, under Superintendent Pharmacist Mohammad Luqman Ghani (GPhC 2220694).
Private consultation room
Every Pharmacy First consultation happens in a private room at 213 High Street, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6SS.
Common questions
Pharmacy First FAQs
Is Pharmacy First really free?
Do I need an appointment?
Can the pharmacist really give me antibiotics?
What happens during the consultation?
Will my GP know about my visit?
What if my condition is not on the list?
Do I need to be registered with your pharmacy or a local GP?
Feel better sooner, without the wait
Free NHS consultations for seven common conditions, with treatment supplied on the spot where appropriate. Book online in under a minute, or walk in whenever we are open.