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Self help

Pharmacy First

Pharmacists can suggest treatments that do not need a prescription for a range of conditions.

Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First.

Conditions they can help with are:

  • uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) for female patients with NON-recurrent symptoms, ages 16-64
  • impetigo, age 1 year and over
  • infected insect bites, age 1 year and over
  • earache, ages 1-17
  • shingles, age 18 years and over
  • sinusitis, age 12 years and over
  • sore throat, age 5 years and over

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.

Physiotherapy

You do not need a GP letter to be referred to a physiotherapist. Click here to refer yourself.

Podiatry

You do not need a GP letter to be referred to a podiatrist. Click here to refer yourself.

Sick notes

You can self-certify if you’ve been ill for less than a week using this form.

Page published: 12 August 2025
Last updated: 22 August 2025