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:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Eligibility: Women aged 16 to 64
Common Symptoms:
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Burning or pain when urinating
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Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently
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Lower abdominal discomfort
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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:
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Tingling, burning or shooting pain
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Development of a red rash with fluid-filled blisters
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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:
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Red sores or blisters, typically around the nose or mouth
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Yellow-brown crusting on affected areas
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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:
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Redness, swelling, or heat around the bite
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Pain or pus discharge
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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:
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Throat pain or discomfort
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Difficulty swallowing
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Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
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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:
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Nasal congestion or discharge
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Facial pain or pressure (especially around eyes, cheeks, forehead)
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Loss of smell
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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:
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Ear pain or discomfort
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Temporary hearing loss
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Discharge from the ear
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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
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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
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NHS Pharmacy First Eligibility Checker