NHS Pharmacy First Scotland

Did you know that your local pharmacist can provide advice on symptoms? Pharmacists can also provide treatments for some conditions included those listed below, or can refer to GP if appropriate.

  • Acne
  • Athletes foot
  • Allergies
  • Backache
  • Blocked or runny nose
  • Cold sores
  • Conjunctivitis (aged over 1yr)
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Cystitis (in women)
  • Diarrhoea
  • Earache
  • Eczema
  • Emergency contraception
  • Headache
  • Head lice
  • Haemorrhoids (piles)
  • Hay fever
  • Impetigo (for those aged over 2 yrs)
  • Indigestion
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Pain
  • Period pain
  • Smoking cessation
  • Sore throats (for less than 3 days)
  • Threadworms
  • Thrush
  • UTI (for non diabetic, non-pregnant women aged 16-64)
  • Warts
  • Verrucas

NHS Pharmacy First is an NHS service which is provided by your local community pharmacy.

If you have a minor illness your Pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice. You do not need an appointment and can go to any community pharmacy. You can use the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland if you are registered with a GP in Scotland or you live in Scotland.

Your pharmacist can give you advice for a minor illness and medicine if they think you need it. Pharmacists, like GP’s, can only provide certain medicines on the NHS. If you want a specific medicine or product you may need to buy it.

If your pharmacist thinks it is better for you to see your GP they may refer you.

The pharmacist will ask you about your symptoms and then: give you advice on your condition, provide medication (if you need it), and/or refer you to another health professional if they think this is necessary.

For further information contact:

Your local pharmacy NHS Inform helpline (0800 224488) (calls from a landline are free) or visit NHS Inform

Date published: 17th July, 2017
Date last updated: 11th December, 2024