Sinusitis & The NHS Pharmacy First Service
The Pharmacy First service allows community pharmacists in England to assess and treat common conditions – specifically Acute Sinusitis – without the need for a GP appointment. This service offers a faster, more accessible route to expert care.
Who is this service for?
The specific clinical pathway for treating sinus infections under Pharmacy First is designed for adults and older children.
Eligibility: Adults and children aged 12 years and over.
Condition: Suspected Acute Sinusitis (symptoms lasting 10 days or more, or worsening after an initial improvement).
Recognising the symptoms
If you or your child are experiencing the following, a pharmacist can help:
Pain
Pain, swelling, or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes, or forehead.
Congestion
A blocked or stuffy nose.
Discharge
A reduced sense of smell or green/yellow mucus from the nose.
Temperature
A high temperature (fever).
Associated symptoms
A sinus headache, cough,toothache, or bad breath.
How the service works
You can visit us at Saood Pharmacy with or without a GP referral.
Access: Please call us on 01189572687 or visit the form at the bottom of the page to check eligibility and book an appointment.
Treatment options
If the pharmacist confirms an infection that requires treatment, they can supply medication directly.
Nasal Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid nasal sprays can be provided to help reduce inflammation and swelling in the sinuses.
Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the pharmacist considers it clinically appropriate.
Self-Care Advice: We can provide guidance on managing pain and fever with over- the-counter options like paracetamol or ibuprofen, and may recommend saline nasal rinses or other medications to help clear your nose.
Note: If medication is prescribed, standard NHS prescription charges apply (unless
the patient is exempt). Any over-the-counter medicines recommended will be sold at
the usual retail price.
Why visit Saood Pharmacy to treat sinusitis?
Convenience
Central town centre location with no need for a GP appointment.
Speed
Faster, more accessible route to getting assessed.
Expertise
Our pharmacy teams utilise their clinical expertise to provide reliable guidance on managing sinusitis and selecting the most effective treatment options for your needs.
Advice and treatment for other common conditions in Saood pharmacy Reading
The Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways Service is an NHS service designed to offer
free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions
including sinusitis. Patients can access this service at Saood Pharmacy in Central Reading. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:
-

Earache
Read more: EaracheAnim aute id magna aliqua ad ad non deserunt sunt. Qui irure qui lorem cupidatat commodo. Elit sunt amet fugiat veniam occaecat fugiat aliqua.
-

Impetigo
Read more: ImpetigoAnim aute id magna aliqua ad ad non deserunt sunt. Qui irure qui lorem cupidatat commodo. Elit sunt amet fugiat veniam occaecat fugiat aliqua.
-

Infected Insect Bites
Read more: Infected Insect BitesAnim aute id magna aliqua ad ad non deserunt sunt. Qui irure qui lorem cupidatat commodo. Elit sunt amet fugiat veniam occaecat fugiat aliqua.
-

Shingles
Read more: ShinglesAnim aute id magna aliqua ad ad non deserunt sunt. Qui irure qui lorem cupidatat commodo. Elit sunt amet fugiat veniam occaecat fugiat aliqua.
-

Sore Throat
Read more: Sore ThroatAnim aute id magna aliqua ad ad non deserunt sunt. Qui irure qui lorem cupidatat commodo. Elit sunt amet fugiat veniam occaecat fugiat aliqua.
-

Uncomplicated UTI
Read more: Uncomplicated UTIAnim aute id magna aliqua ad ad non deserunt sunt. Qui irure qui lorem cupidatat commodo. Elit sunt amet fugiat veniam occaecat fugiat aliqua.
Book an appointment
Anim aute id magna aliqua ad ad non deserunt sunt. Qui irure qui lorem cupidatat commodo. Elit sunt amet fugiat veniam occaecat fugiat aliqua.
