Pharmacy First Leeds — Treatment Today, No GP Appointment

For the 7 Pharmacy First pathways, a pharmacist can assess you without a GP appointment and supply certain prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics, when the national clinical pathway says they are appropriate. You can contact the pharmacy directly; a GP, NHS 111 or urgent-care service can also refer you.

Antibiotics are not automatic and booking does not promise a prescription. The pharmacist checks your symptoms, age, medical history and warning signs, then recommends self-care, supplies a suitable treatment or arranges onward care.

The seven national pathways cover the following conditions and age groups:

• Earache (acute otitis media): children aged 1 to 17 years
• Impetigo: people aged 1 year and over
• Infected insect bites: people aged 1 year and over
• Shingles: adults aged 18 years and over
• Sinusitis: people aged 12 years and over
• Sore throat: people aged 5 years and over
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection: women aged 16 to 64 years

Expect questions about when symptoms started, how they have changed, other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding where relevant, and medicines already being used. A face-to-face examination may be needed for some symptoms.

Bring a list of regular medicines and be ready to explain any treatments you have already tried. For a child, the pharmacist may need the child present so they can complete a safe assessment.

Antibiotics are not automatically supplied. Many infections improve without them, and the pharmacist must follow antimicrobial stewardship guidance. If a medicine is appropriate, the pharmacist will explain how to use it, possible side effects and when to seek more help.

You will receive safety-netting advice. Follow it carefully and contact the pharmacy, NHS 111 or your GP if symptoms do not improve in the expected time or become worse.