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:

• Walk-In: Visit us anytime during opening hours. No appointment is needed.

• Book Online: Prefer a scheduled time? Use our online booking system to secure a consultation slot.

• 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:

• Confirm if your condition qualifies for treatment under Pharmacy First.

• Advise you on appropriate self-care and symptom management.

• Recommend over-the-counter treatment options where suitable.

Step 3: Treatment & Advice

If treatment is required, the following options may be offered:

• NHS-Supplied Medication: If your condition meets eligibility criteria, a prescription-only treatment may be supplied. NHS charges will apply unless you are exempt.

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments: If suitable, these can be purchased directly from our pharmacy at standard retail prices.

• 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:

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

   • Eligibility: Women aged 16 to 64

   • Symptoms: Pain or burning during urination, frequent need to urinate

   • Exclusions: Men, pregnant patients

2. Shingles

   • Eligibility: Adults aged 18 and over

   • Symptoms: Burning sensation, rash with blisters

   • Exclusions: Pregnant individuals, severe or eye-involved cases

3. Impetigo

   • Eligibility: Individuals aged 1 year and over

   • Symptoms: Red sores around the nose and mouth, crusting

   • Exclusions: Pregnant individuals, extensive infection

4. Infected Insect Bites

   • Eligibility: Patients aged 1 year and over

   • Symptoms: Swelling, redness, pus or pain around bite

   • Exclusions: Pregnant under 16s, systemic infection signs

5. Acute Sore Throat

   • Eligibility: Ages 5 and over

   • Symptoms: Painful throat, difficulty swallowing

   • Red Flags: Severe pain, breathing difficulty, inability to swallow

6. Acute Sinusitis

   • Eligibility: Ages 12 and over

   • Symptoms: Facial pain, nasal congestion, pressure around eyes

   • Red Flags: Eye swelling, severe pain, fever

7. Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection)

   • Eligibility: Children aged 1 to 17

   • Symptoms: Earache, fluid discharge, mild fever

   • Red Flags: Hearing loss, severe pain, high fever

Charges and NHS Criteria

• NHS Charges Apply: Where treatment involves an NHS prescription, standard NHS prescription fees apply unless you are exempt.

• OTC Medication: If a medicine is recommended but not covered under NHS supply, it will be available to purchase at our normal retail price.

• 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?

• No GP Needed – save time and hassle

• Immediate Access – walk-in or book online

• Expert Assessment – from experienced prescribing pharmacists

• Convenient Harrow Location – with nearby transport and parking

• Follow-Up Support – if needed, we’ll guide your next steps



NHS Pharmacy First Eligibility Checker