NHS Pharmacy First - Murrays Chemist

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