Sinusitis
Blocked, painful sinuses that aren't shifting. We'll assess whether it's viral or needs antibiotics.
Age 12 and overSee a pharmacist, not a waiting room
Pharmacy First lets community pharmacists treat seven conditions that used to need a GP. We can supply prescription-only medicines under an NHS patient group direction, which means you can walk in with a sore throat and walk out with what you need.
You'll be seen in our private consultation room — a proper room with a door, not a corner of the shop floor. If we can't help, or if what you've got needs a doctor, we'll tell you straight away and make sure you're pointed at the right place.
Free if you don't pay for prescriptions
The consultation itself is always free. If you're exempt from prescription charges, any medicine we supply is free too. If you're not exempt, you pay the standard NHS prescription charge — the same as you would at your GP.
How it works
1
Walk in or book
No appointment needed. Book online if you'd rather lock in a time.
2
Private consultation
A pharmacist assesses you properly in our closed consultation room.
3
Treatment on the spot
Advice, an over-the-counter product, or a prescription-only medicine — dispensed there and then.
4
Referred if needed
If it needs a GP, we refer you and share the consultation notes with your surgery.
Step by step
How it works
From booking to walking out with your treatment — here's the whole journey.
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Step 1
Book online
Pick a time that suits you on our booking page — or simply walk in.
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Step 2
Come in or call
Pop into the pharmacy for your appointment, or have it over the phone.
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Step 3
Speak to the pharmacist
A pharmacist assesses your symptoms in private and decides the best treatment.
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Step 4
Get your medication
If you need a medicine, we dispense it there and then — no second trip.
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Step 5
Same-day delivery
Can't come in to collect? We deliver your medication the same day, free within Leicester.
What we can treat
The seven conditions
Each has an NHS age range attached. Select a condition to see its symptoms, who it's for and how to book. If you fall outside the age range, we'll point you to your GP instead.
Sore Throat
We use a clinical scoring system to work out whether antibiotics would actually help, or whether it'll clear on its own.
Age 5 and over
Earache
Acute ear infections in children. We use an otoscope to look inside the ear and treat accordingly.
Age 1 to 17
Infected Insect Bite
A bite that's got worse rather than better — spreading redness, heat or pus. We'll check whether it's infected.
Age 1 and over
Impetigo
The crusty, golden-yellow skin infection that spreads fast, especially in children. Treated with a topical antibiotic.
Age 1 and over
Shingles
The painful, blistering rash on one side of the body. Antivirals work best within 72 hours — come in as soon as you spot it.
Age 18 and over
Urinary Tract Infection
Uncomplicated lower UTIs. We'll assess your symptoms and supply antibiotics if they're warranted.
Women aged 16 to 64Not on the list?
We can still give advice on almost anything, and we'll always tell you honestly if you need a GP, 111 or A&E.
Get in touchQuestions
Common questions
No. Pharmacy First is a walk-in service — come in any time we're open and ask. You can book online if you'd prefer a set time, but it isn't required.
The consultation is free for everyone. If you need a medicine and you're exempt from prescription charges, that's free too. If you're not exempt, you pay the standard NHS prescription charge — exactly what you'd pay via your GP.
Yes, for these seven conditions, under NHS patient group directions. That said, we'll only supply them where they're clinically appropriate — plenty of these conditions clear up on their own, and handing out antibiotics that aren't needed does more harm than good.
You need to be registered with a GP in England. You don't need to be registered with us, and you don't need to be a regular customer — anyone can use the service.
Yes — we send a record of the consultation to your surgery so your notes stay complete. That's a good thing: it means your GP has the full picture next time they see you.
Absolutely, as long as they're within the age range for the condition. Earache covers ages 1 to 17, and impetigo and infected insect bites start from age 1.
Book online
Book a Pharmacy First consultation
Choose a time that suits you. Walk-ins are welcome too, but booking guarantees your slot in the private consultation room.
Click below to check availability and book your appointment.
Feeling rough? Come and see us
Walk in during opening hours, or book a slot online. Either way you'll see a pharmacist, not a queue.