Think pharmacy first!

Pharmacies

Think pharmacy first! Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns, such as minor injuries, coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections, aches and pains. They provide a range of services and support to keep you and your family safe and healthy. You can speak to your local pharmacist in confidence, without the need for an appointment.

They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First). Conditions they can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:

earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
shingles (aged 18 years and over)
sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)

If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional.

They will then update your GP health record.

You can find your nearest pharmacy here: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk).

For other information on pharmacies and prescriptions visit: Pharmacies – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Bank Holiday opening hours for pharmacies across Lincolnshire

Please see Bank Holiday pharmacy opening times for pharmacies across Lincolnshire.
NHS services at many pharmacies in Lincolnshire include:
- Blood pressure check service - aims to identify patients with undiagnosed hypertension, by offering a free blood pressure check (for anyone aged over 40 with no history of high blood pressure or those aged 30-39 with a family history of high blood pressure). Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks.
- Oral contraception advanced service - aims to improve patients’ access and convenience to a supply of oral contraception. Community pharmacy staff ensure the required examinations such as blood pressure check and weight check are made, followed by consultation with the pharmacist before the supply of the ongoing oral contraception. Find a pharmacy that offers the Contraception service in Lincolnshire.
- New medicine Service - provide support to patients and carers, helping them manage newly prescribed medicines for long-term conditions, and supporting patients to make shared decisions about their care. Learn more about the New Medicine Service.
Community pharmacies provide a uniquely accessible workforce of health care professionals, who are trained and qualified to help you with a wide range of minor illnesses and common conditions. We encourage you to ‘ask your pharmacist’ for advice and treatment on minor health concerns and for advice and support to stay well.

Community pharmacies are here to help.

These short videos show how your local pharmacy can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common, minor illnesses and health concerns. From coughs, colds and flu symptoms to earache, dry eyes and skin conditions, pharmacists can often help without the need for a GP appointment.