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NHS Pharmacy First at Saood Pharmacy

At Saood Pharmacy, we are proud to offer the NHS Pharmacy First service, providing you with professional healthcare advice and clinical support without the need for a GP appointment. Our highly trained pharmacists can now conduct confidential consultations which are split into three main areas:

Pharmacy First

Clinical Pathways

During your consultation, we will assess your symptoms, provide self-care advice, and, where clinically appropriate, provide the necessary treatment to manage your condition effectively. The clinical conditions covered under this service are:

This consultation is free. If a prescription is issued, the standard NHS prescription charge applies unless you are exempt.

Our goal is to ensure you receive the right care at the right time. By visiting Saood Pharmacy first for these common clinical conditions, you benefit from a convenient service that helps you get back to feeling your best sooner.

If your symptoms require further investigation or are not covered by this clinical pathway, our team will provide a professional referral to the appropriate healthcare provider. We are committed to supporting our local community’s health through expert guidance and accessible, high-quality clinical care while supporting local GP services.

Please call us on 01189572687 to discuss with our team how to access this free service and refer to our FAQ’s below for further details.

Pharmacy First

NHS Referrals for Minor Ailments

Beyond the seven conditions above, pharmacists can also handle a broad range of minor illnesses (such as coughs, colds, hay fever, and mild skin rashes). For these, our pharmacist can offer expert advice and may recommend over-the-counter medicines.

  • How to access: Access is free via referral from your GP surgery, NHS 111 or 999. General minor ailment advice can also be offered briefly as a walk-in customer as traditionally offered in pharmacy.
  • Treatment: If the pharmacist recommends an over-the-counter medicine (like paracetamol or antihistamines), you pay the recommended retail price of that medicine.

Pharmacy First

Urgent Repeat Medicines Supply

If you have run out of your regular medication and cannot obtain a prescription from your GP, we may be able to help.

  • How to access: Access is via referral through NHS 111.
  • What to expect for Urgent Supplies: A referral from NHS 111 is a request for a consultation, not a guaranteed supply. Our pharmacist will meet with you to ensure the request is clinically appropriate and that the medicine is urgently needed to prevent your health from deteriorating.
  • Eligibility: You must be an NHS patient registered with a GP in England and be prescribed the medicine previously.
  • Verification: With your consent we will check your NHS records to confirm your dosage and history.
  • Restrictions: We cannot supply certain drugs and the quantity supplied is also restricted. The pharmacist must also be satisfied that you cannot practically obtain a prescription from your GP without ‘undue delay’.
  • Cost: Normal NHS prescription charges apply unless exempt.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and describes the general NHS Pharmacy First service. For specific medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How can I access the Pharmacy First clinical pathways service?

You can access Pharmacy First in three main ways:

Walk-in: Simply visit our pharmacy and ask to speak with the pharmacist about the Pharmacy First service to check eligibility.
Referral: You may be referred to us by your GP surgery, NHS 111 (online or by phone), 999 or other authorised healthcare providers if the NHS adviser feels that this is the best route of care for you.
Online/Phone: You can call us ahead of time to check if your condition is covered and if a pharmacist is available for a consultation.

What should I expect during my private consultation?

We prioritise your privacy and clinical care. During your visit you can expect:

  • Private Consultation Room: You will be invited into a confidential space to discuss your symptoms.
  • Assessment: The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any current medications as well as allergies. We will explore your symptoms and may request to perform an examination e.g. For earache we may need to look inside your ear.
  • Clinical Advice: Based on the assessment, the pharmacist will provide expert advice on managing your condition including self-care and safety netting advice.
  • Treatment Plan: If appropriate, the pharmacist may provide medication or recommend over-the-counter treatments. If your condition requires further investigation, they will refer you to a GP or another specialist.
Why might the pharmacist ask me to return for a follow-up?

A follow-up is not always necessary, but a pharmacist may request one to:

  • Monitor Progress: Ensure that the treatment provided is working effectively.
  • Review Symptoms: Check if your symptoms have cleared or if further action is needed. Many of these conditions are self-limiting and can be managed with over-the-counter medication or with self-care advice.
How will I receive my medication through this service?

If you walk-in to the pharmacy or been referred for one of the seven common conditions in the clinical pathway consultations, the pharmacist will offer self-care advice and only if appropriate, supply some ‘prescription-only’ medicines (such as antibiotics) that
previously required a GP visit. The pharmacist will explain how to take the medication and provide a patient information leaflet.

If you’ve been referred to the pharmacy for an ‘urgent repeat medicine supply’, the pharmacist can offer an urgent supply of your repeat medicine if clinically appropriate.

If you’ve been referred to the pharmacy for a minor illness, the pharmacist might give you advice, and if necessary, suggest buying an over-the-counter medicine to help with your condition or refer you to another healthcare provider if appropriate.

Is there a cost for the Pharmacy First service or medications?

The Consultation: The clinical consultation with the pharmacist is free of charge under the NHS.

The Medication: If you are usually exempt from NHS prescription charges, the medication is free and you should show your pharmacist evidence of this when you speak to them.

If you usually pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge will apply to any regulated medication supplied.

For general over-the-counter recommendations (like simple painkillers), standard retail prices apply for all customers.