The Pharmacy First service is a free NHS service that allows you to get clinical advice and treatment for seven common health conditions — directly from your local pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment. It launched across England in February 2024 and is available at pharmacies throughout Coventry, including Bannerbrook Pharmacy. No referral needed. Just walk in.
If you have ever waited days for a GP appointment to get treatment for something like a urine infection or an infected eye, you will know how frustrating it can feel. You are not unwell enough for A&E, but you need help sooner rather than later.
That is exactly the gap the Pharmacy First service was designed to fill. It is one of the most significant changes to NHS primary care in recent years — and if you live in Coventry, Bannerbrook, Mount Nod, Tile Hill, Allesley, or any of the surrounding areas, it is available to you right now.
What is the Pharmacy First Service?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that enables trained community pharmacists to assess, advise, and in most cases treat patients for seven specific clinical conditions — all without a GP referral. It is fully funded by the NHS, which means there is no charge for the consultation itself. If you are eligible for free prescriptions, any medication issued is also free.
The service launched in February 2024 after a successful pilot in a number of areas across England. It builds on the existing Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) and represents a clear shift in how the NHS wants community pharmacy to be used — as a first port of call for common conditions, rather than simply a place to collect prescriptions.
Which Conditions Does Pharmacy First Cover?
The Pharmacy First service currently covers seven conditions. These were chosen because they are very common, well understood clinically, and straightforward for a qualified pharmacist to assess and treat:
- Sinusitis (sinus infection)
- Sore throat
- Earache (otitis media) — for patients aged 1 to 17
- Infected insect bite
- Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) — for women aged 16 to 64
Your pharmacist will carry out a clinical consultation to confirm the diagnosis and decide on the right course of action. If your symptoms suggest something more serious, or if you fall outside the treatment criteria, they will refer you on to a GP or another appropriate service.
How Does the Pharmacy First Service Work?
The process is designed to be simple and accessible. Here is what typically happens when you use Pharmacy First at a Coventry pharmacy:
Step 1: Walk In or Contact Your Pharmacy
You do not need a GP referral to access Pharmacy First. You can walk into your local pharmacy — such as Bannerbrook Pharmacy on Bannerbrook Park or Mount Nod Pharmacy — and ask to be seen under the service. Some pharmacies also accept requests by phone.
Step 2: Your Pharmacist Carries Out a Clinical Consultation
A trained pharmacist will see you in a private consultation room. They will ask about your symptoms, check any relevant medical history, and assess whether your condition falls within the Pharmacy First criteria. This is a genuine clinical consultation — not just a chat over the counter.
Step 3: You Receive Treatment or Referral
If your condition is suitable for treatment under Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can supply prescription-only medicines directly — without you needing to see a GP first. If your situation is more complex, they will refer you to the right service, whether that is your GP, an urgent care centre, or NHS 111.
Step 4: Your GP is Kept in the Loop
After your consultation, the pharmacy will send a summary to your registered GP so your medical records remain up to date. This joined-up approach ensures your overall care is not fragmented.
Who Can Use the Pharmacy First Service?
Pharmacy First is open to anyone registered with a GP in England. There is no referral needed and no appointment to book in advance. You simply need to be experiencing one of the seven covered conditions and meet the age or eligibility criteria specific to that condition.
For Coventry residents — whether you are in Bannerbrook, Cannon Park, Whitley, Earlsdon, or Tile Hill — your nearest participating pharmacy can see you for these conditions, often on the same day.
Why Does the Pharmacy First Service Matter?
GP practices across Coventry and the wider West Midlands are under significant pressure. Appointment availability is stretched, and waiting times for non-urgent issues can be frustrating. Pharmacy First directly tackles this by diverting straightforward cases away from GP surgeries — freeing up appointments for patients with more complex health needs.
For patients, it means faster access to clinical advice and treatment. For the NHS, it means better use of existing resources. And for community pharmacies like ours, it is an opportunity to serve the local population in a deeper, more meaningful way than ever before.
It is also worth noting that community pharmacists in the UK are highly trained healthcare professionals. They study for a minimum of four years at degree level and undergo supervised practice before registering with the General Pharmaceutical Council. When a pharmacist tells you something about your health, that is clinical expertise speaking — not a shop assistant.
Other NHS Services Available at Your Local Pharmacy
Pharmacy First is just one of many NHS and private services available at Bannerbrook Pharmacy. You might also be interested in:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to use Pharmacy First?
No. You can access the Pharmacy First service by going directly to your pharmacy. No appointment or referral from a GP in England is required. Simply speak to your pharmacist and let them know you would like to be seen under the Pharmacy First service.
Is the Pharmacy First service free?
Yes. The consultation is entirely free on the NHS. If you are prescribed medication as part of the service, the standard NHS prescription charge applies — unless you are exempt (for example, if you are under 16, over 60, or hold a valid exemption certificate).
Can children use the Pharmacy First service?
Yes, for certain conditions. Children aged 1 to 17 can be seen for earache under the service. Children can also be seen for sinusitis (aged 12 and over), sore throat (aged 5 and over), infected insect bites, impetigo, and shingles where clinically appropriate. Your pharmacist will confirm eligibility during the consultation.
What if my condition is not covered by Pharmacy First?
If your symptoms fall outside the Pharmacy First criteria, your pharmacist will advise you on the best next step. This might be contacting your GP, calling NHS 111, or in urgent cases attending an emergency department. You will never be left without guidance.
Does the pharmacist share my consultation details with my GP?
Yes. After your Pharmacy First consultation, a summary is sent securely to your registered GP practice. This ensures your health records remain complete and joined up across the NHS.
Is Pharmacy First available in Coventry?
Yes. Pharmacy First is available at pharmacies across Coventry, including Bannerbrook Pharmacy and Mount Nod Pharmacy. Both pharmacies serve patients across Bannerbrook Park, Mount Nod, Tile Hill, Allesley, Earlsdon, Whitley, Cannon Park, and the wider Coventry area.
Conclusion: Your Pharmacy is More Than a Dispensary
The Pharmacy First service marks a real step forward in how NHS care is delivered in communities like ours. For anyone in Coventry dealing with one of the seven covered conditions, it offers fast, free, and expert clinical advice and treatment — without the wait for a GP appointment.
At Bannerbrook Pharmacy, we are proud to offer Pharmacy First as part of a wider range of NHS and private health services. Whether you need help with a UTI, a skin infection, or just want to know which service is right for your symptoms — our team is here.
Next time you are unwell and wondering whether to book a GP appointment, consider visiting your local Coventry pharmacy first. It might be quicker, easier, and closer than you think.
Need to speak to a pharmacist today?
Visit Bannerbrook Pharmacy for same-day Pharmacy First consultations. Serving Bannerbrook Park, Tile Hill, Allesley, and all of Coventry. No appointment needed.
