Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns.

Most pharmacies in England are now providing the Pharmacy First service. This free NHS service allows you or your child to get quick access to healthcare advice for the following seven conditions:

· 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 throats (aged 5 years and over)

· Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)

You can go directly to the pharmacy without needing to contact this practice. If you do contact us with symptoms that your local pharmacy can help with, as above, our reception team may refer you to a community pharmacy for a consultation.

With your permission, we’ll send a secure electronic message to the pharmacy so they know what support you need. You’ll then be asked to either call or visit the pharmacy in person.

During your consultation, the pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you’re currently taking. They’ll give you advice and may offer treatment, such as an over-the-counter product or a prescription-only medicine if appropriate.

Pharmacists are trained to spot signs of more serious illness. If they think your symptoms need urgent attention, they’ll help you book a same-day GP appointment or direct you to urgent care, like A&E.

After your visit, the pharmacist will send a summary of your consultation to your GP. If your GP practice uses a secure digital system, they’ll receive it directly. Otherwise, the pharmacy will send it by email.

By expanding the services community pharmacies offer through Pharmacy First, the NHS is aiming to free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.

Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team. For more information visit www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/pharmacy