Pharmacy First Service at Murrays Chemist – Harrow
Fast, NHS-Funded Access to Expert Care for Common Conditions
At Murrays Chemist, we’re proud to offer the NHS Pharmacy First Service — a convenient and accessible way for patients to receive clinical advice and treatment for common health conditions without needing to see a GP. Delivered by our qualified pharmacist prescribers, this service helps manage minor ailments quickly, safely, and efficiently — right from our pharmacy in Harrow.
How the Pharmacy First Service Works
There are three easy ways to access the Pharmacy First Service:
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Walk-In: Visit us anytime during opening hours. No appointment is needed.
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Book Online: Prefer a scheduled time? Use our online booking system to secure a consultation slot.
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Eligibility Check Form: Not sure if you qualify? Fill out our online eligibility form and we’ll contact you with advice and next steps.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Upon arrival or at your booked time, you’ll speak with one of our trained pharmacists. We’ll take a brief history of your symptoms and review any current medications or health conditions.
Step 2: Clinical Review
Your pharmacist will assess your symptoms against NHS-approved clinical protocols, and:
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Confirm if your condition qualifies for treatment under Pharmacy First.
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Advise you on appropriate self-care and symptom management.
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Recommend over-the-counter treatment options where suitable.
Step 3: Treatment & Advice
If treatment is required, the following options may be offered:
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NHS-Supplied Medication: If your condition meets eligibility criteria, a prescription-only treatment may be supplied. NHS charges will apply unless you are exempt.
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Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments: If suitable, these can be purchased directly from our pharmacy at standard retail prices.
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Referral: If your condition requires more advanced care, we will refer you to your GP or appropriate service.
Conditions Treated Under the Pharmacy First Service
We treat the following NHS-approved conditions:
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
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Eligibility: Women aged 16 to 64
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Symptoms: Pain or burning during urination, frequent need to urinate
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Exclusions: Men, pregnant patients
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Shingles
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Eligibility: Adults aged 18 and over
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Symptoms: Burning sensation, rash with blisters
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Exclusions: Pregnant individuals, severe or eye-involved cases
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Impetigo
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Eligibility: Individuals aged 1 year and over
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Symptoms: Red sores around the nose and mouth, crusting
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Exclusions: Pregnant individuals, extensive infection
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Infected Insect Bites
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Eligibility: Patients aged 1 year and over
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Symptoms: Swelling, redness, pus or pain around bite
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Exclusions: Pregnant under 16s, systemic infection signs
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Acute Sore Throat
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Eligibility: Ages 5 and over
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Symptoms: Painful throat, difficulty swallowing
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Red Flags: Severe pain, breathing difficulty, inability to swallow
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Acute Sinusitis
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Eligibility: Ages 12 and over
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Symptoms: Facial pain, nasal congestion, pressure around eyes
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Red Flags: Eye swelling, severe pain, fever
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Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection)
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Eligibility: Children aged 1 to 17
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Symptoms: Earache, fluid discharge, mild fever
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Red Flags: Hearing loss, severe pain, high fever
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Charges and NHS Criteria
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NHS Charges Apply: Where treatment involves an NHS prescription, standard NHS prescription fees apply unless you are exempt.
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OTC Medication: If a medicine is recommended but not covered under NHS supply, it will be available to purchase at our normal retail price.
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Consultations Are Free: There is no charge to use the NHS Pharmacy First Service itself.
Not Eligible for Pharmacy First? We Can Still Help
If you are not eligible for NHS-funded care under this service, you can still access our Private Walk-In Clinic. For a small fee, our prescribers can assess and treat a wide range of acute conditions, often with same-day appointments and medication supply.
Why Choose Murrays Chemist?
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No GP Needed – save time and hassle
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Immediate Access – walk-in or book online
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Expert Assessment – from experienced prescribing pharmacists
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Convenient Harrow Location – with nearby transport and parking
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Follow-Up Support – if needed, we’ll guide your next steps