Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that lets you get professional advice, treatment, and — where clinically appropriate — prescription-only medicines for common conditions, directly from a pharmacist, without needing a GP appointment.

Pharmacy First builds on the original Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, allowing pharmacists to supply an NHS medicine, if clinically appropriate, for seven common conditions, as well as still seeing patients with other minor illnesses who are electronically referred to them. The aim is simple: faster access to care for common, self-limiting conditions, while freeing up GP capacity for more complex needs.¹

You can access Pharmacy First by simply walking into any Pearl Chemist Group branch — no appointment necessary. With 29 branches across South London, including Banstead, Byfleet, Cannon Hill, Cobham, Earlsfield, Epsom, London, Merton, Mitcham, Morden, Northcote Road, Streatham, Tolworth, Tooting, Wandsworth, Wimbledon, and Kingston upon Thames, you can choose the branch that's most convenient for you. You can also book in advance online or through our app.

You may also be referred to us by your GP practice, NHS 111, or an urgent or emergency care provider if they believe a pharmacy consultation is the right next step for you.⁴

Your pharmacist will see you privately in a dedicated consultation room. Depending on your symptoms, they may carry out a brief examination or ask to access relevant parts of your medical record to inform their assessment.

Following the consultation, your pharmacist will recommend the most appropriate course of action — which may include self-care advice, an over-the-counter remedy, or, where clinically indicated, a prescription-only medicine such as an antibiotic or antiviral, supplied under an NHS Patient Group Direction.⁵

Standard NHS prescription charges apply to medicines supplied through Pharmacy First for the seven conditions listed above. If you are already exempt from 
prescription charges, that exemption continues to apply. The consultation itself is always free, regardless of whether a medicine is supplied.⁶

At Pearl Chemist Group, we make healthcare accessible, fast, and caring. Get in touch with our team for swift, expert assistance with your health concerns.

Disclaimer: Pharmacy First is delivered by trained pharmacists following NHS-approved clinical pathways and Patient Group Directions. Treatment is only supplied where clinically appropriate. For symptoms outside the seven conditions listed, or for urgent concerns, please contact your GP or NHS 111.