NHS Pharmacy First

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:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Eligibility: Women aged 16 to 64
Common Symptoms:

  • Burning or pain when urinating

  • Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently

  • Lower abdominal discomfort

  • Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Exclusions: Men, pregnant women, children
Further Information: NHS – Urinary Tract Infections


Shingles

Eligibility: Adults aged 18 and over
Common Symptoms:

  • Tingling, burning or shooting pain

  • Development of a red rash with fluid-filled blisters

  • Rash usually appears on one side of the body or face

Exclusions: Pregnant patients, severe or eye-related cases
Further Information: NHS – Shingles


Impetigo

Eligibility: Patients aged 1 and over
Common Symptoms:

  • Red sores or blisters, typically around the nose or mouth

  • Yellow-brown crusting on affected areas

  • Mild itching or soreness

Exclusions: Pregnant patients, extensive or resistant cases
Further Information: NHS – Impetigo


Infected Insect Bites

Eligibility: Patients aged 1 and over
Common Symptoms:

  • Redness, swelling, or heat around the bite

  • Pain or pus discharge

  • Worsening symptoms after several days

Exclusions: Children under 1, pregnant patients, systemic signs of infection
Further Information: NHS – Insect Bites and Stings


Acute Sore Throat

Eligibility: Patients aged 5 and over
Common Symptoms:

  • Throat pain or discomfort

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

  • Mild fever

Exclusions/Red Flags: Severe pain, inability to swallow, breathing difficulty
Further Information: NHS – Sore Throat


Acute Sinusitis

Eligibility: Patients aged 12 and over
Common Symptoms:

  • Nasal congestion or discharge

  • Facial pain or pressure (especially around eyes, cheeks, forehead)

  • Loss of smell

  • Low-grade fever

Exclusions/Red Flags: Swelling around the eyes, persistent high fever, worsening symptoms
Further Information: NHS – Sinusitis


Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection)

Eligibility: Children aged 1 to 17
Common Symptoms:

  • Ear pain or discomfort

  • Temporary hearing loss

  • Discharge from the ear

  • Mild fever or irritability in young children

Exclusions/Red Flags: High fever, severe pain, suspected complications
Further Information: NHS – Ear Infections


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