Book a Pharmacy First online consultation
My Local Surgery can help with common conditions under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, with prescription medication, delivered for free.
Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPAuthored by Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCSOriginally published 22 Jun 2025
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
In this series:Self-referral Refer yourself for NHS antenatal careRefer yourself to NHS stop smoking services Refer yourself to NHS sexual health servicesNHS talking therapies - self referralRefer yourself to NHS drug and alcohol support services
NHS Pharmacy First is a new scheme from the Government and NHS in England. It allows patients to get treatment, including prescription medications where necessary, for common conditions without the need for a GP appointment.
Through NHS Pharmacy First, My Local Surgery offers fast, free private online consultations with an NHS pharmacist for quick diagnosis and prescriptions for a range of minor illnesses.
Patient picks for Pharmacy services
General health and lifestyle
Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics?
You may be unaware that some pharmacists can provide you with medicine for a range of health conditions. In this article, we break down which treatments they may be able to offer you.
by Victoria Raw
General health and lifestyle
Health problems you don't need to see your doctor about
Whilst the expertise of GPs is invaluable, there are plenty of minor ailments and services which you don't need to see a doctor for. Your pharmacist may be a better option.
by Milly Evans
About the authorView full bio
Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCS
HealthTech
MBCS
Thomas writes to inform, inspire, and equip practice leaders and health professionals navigating change, drawing on two decades of hands-on work across the UK health system.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
General Practitioner, Medical Author
MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH
Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.
22 Jun 2025 | Originally published
Authored by:
Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCSPeer reviewed by
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.
More in general health and lifestyle
- Handy tips to reduce your food waste
- How can you prevent osteoporosis during the menopause?
- How to cope with New Year after losing a loved one
- How to look after your mental health this winter
- How to manage COPD during winter
- How to prevent dry eyes during winter
- How to relieve itchy eyes in the summer
- How to tell the differences between winter viruses in kids
- How to treat sunburn at home
- Prescriptions: your questions answered
- Redefining work-life balance: what is the Quiet Quitting movement?
- Symptoms you need to stop hiding from your doctor
- Tips to prevent common foot injuries
- What are the common causes of summer rashes?
- What is fuel poverty and how does it affect our health?
- What is holiday heart syndrome - and how could it affect your Christmas?
- What is weather change sickness?
- What to eat at Christmas if you have type 2 diabetes
- What you need to know about stopping medication
- Why a Christmas movie can make us feel good