Pharmacy First Video Consultation – Great Yarmouth, Gorleston & Lowestoft

Pharmacy First Service – FAQs

1. What is the NHS Pharmacy First Service?

The NHS Pharmacy First Service allows patients in England to access free advice and NHS-funded treatment from a pharmacist for certain common conditions, without needing to see a GP. If appropriate, our pharmacist can provide treatment under the NHS, including prescription-only medicines.

2. Do I need to see my GP first?

No. You can come directly to us without seeing your GP. You may also be referred by:

• NHS 111

• Your GP surgery

• An urgent treatment centre or other local NHS service

3. Who can use this service?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be registered with a GP in England

• Present symptoms of one of the six covered conditions

• Be assessed as suitable by the pharmacist

• Be aged 1 year and above, depending on the condition

Please note: For UTIs, this service is available to non-pregnant women aged 16 to 64 only.

4. Is this service available to children?

Yes, depending on the condition:

• Impetigo: 1 year and above

• Infected Insect Bites: 1 year and above

• Sore Throat: 5 years and above

• Shingles: 18 years and above

• Sinusitis: 12 years and above

• UTI: Women only, aged 16–64

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the consultation.

5. Can I get medicine as part of this service?

Yes. If our pharmacist assesses your condition and finds that NHS-funded treatment is clinically appropriate, we can supply it directly. This may include prescription-only medicines under a Patient Group Direction (PGD).

6. Do I have to pay for the medicine?

If treatment is provided, you will:

• Pay the standard NHS prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item)

• Or get the medicine free of charge if you are exempt (e.g. under 16, over 60, low income, etc.)

The consultation itself is always free.

7. How will I receive the medicine?

If treatment is issued, we will deliver to your door.

8. Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. We adhere to strict NHS confidentiality and data protection standards. Your personal and medical information is kept secure and only used for your consultation and treatment.

9. Are urgent same-day appointments available?

Yes. We offer same-day appointments for urgent cases, subject to availability. Book online or call us directly on 01493 600610 to secure the next available slot.

10. What happens during the consultation?

During your consultation, the pharmacist will:

• Discuss your symptoms

• Assess if your condition is suitable for treatment under the NHS Pharmacy First Service

• Provide advice, and where appropriate, offer treatment

• Arrange for medication to be sent to you or collected

11. What areas do you cover for urgent consultations?

We provide urgent remote consultations for patients across England. Locally, we prioritise urgent cases in:

• Great Yarmouth

• Gorleston

• Bradwell

• Belton

• Caister-on-Sea

• Hopton-on-Sea

• And surrounding Norfolk areas