Self Help

The Pharmacy First service is an NHS Commissioned service that allow Pharmacists to support our patients who are suffering from a specific range of conditions.

Trained and knowledgeable Pharmacists can provide a consultation where they will give advice, reassurance and (where appropriate) specific prescription medicines to treat the condition*.

In most cases, this will mean that you will not need to make an appointment to see your GP, saving you time and helping you feel better soon at a time that suits you!

The service is Free** and there is no need to book so speak to your local pharmacist team today about the service and remember to always Think Pharmacy First!

What are the seven minor illnesses?

Along with minor illness advice and over the counter medicines, pharmacies will now be able to treat the following seven conditions:

• Shingles – 18 years and over
• Sore throat – 5 years and over
• Infected insect bites (not including tick bites) – 1 year and over
• Earaches – in children aged 1 to 17 years
• Sinusitis – 12 years and over
• Impetigo – 1 year and over
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) – Women aged 16 to 64 years

In some cases, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised or who have recurring problems may not be eligible for treatment at a pharmacy.

How else can a pharmacy help me?

People will be familiar with seeing their local pharmacy on the high street or in the supermarket. They can offer confidential advice and offer over-the-counter medicines to help you manage health concerns such as coughs and colds. They can also support with healthy eating, exercise, stopping smoking, monitoring your blood pressure, contraception, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Treatment straight from your pharmacy :: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight

*Some consultations may require a specific physical examination in line with the presenting complaint (such as (but not limited to) a temperature check, looking in the ear or looking at the back of the throat)

**Free to the customer, funding by the NHS. Customers, who are not exempt from prescription charges may be required to pay a charge if a medicine is provided as part of this service. Subject to T&C including eligibility and availability.

What is the Minor Eye Conditions Service?

The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) provides assessment and treatment for people with recently occurring minor eye problems. It is an NHS service provided by accredited clinicians (commonly called optometrists/opticians).

What Conditions Can Be Treated by the Service?

If you are experiencing:

• Red eye or eyelids
• Dry, gritty or uncomfortable eyes
• Eye irritation and inflammation
• A lot of recent discharge from the eye or watery eye
• Recently occurring flashes or floaters
• Painful eye
• Ingrowing lashes
• Recent and sudden loss of vision
• Foreign body in the eye

You can arrange an appointment with an accredited clinician (optometrist/optician) through the Minor Eye Conditions service.

Who Is The Service For?

The service is for people of all ages. Children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult. You do not need a GP referral to use this service.

How Do I Book an Appointment With the Service?

When you have chosen an optical practice that is convenient for you, you can book the appointment yourself. This is called Self Referral.

You should telephone the opticians directly to make an appointment. Please do not visit without first making an appointment.

When you telephone, you will be asked some questions about your symptoms so the team can assess how quickly you need to be seen.

Depending on your symptoms, you will be seen within 24 hours or a few working days. Your consultation may take the form of a telephone, video or in-person appointment.

If your symptoms are mild, you may be advised to contact your local pharmacists for simple treatment and over-the-counter medication.

Patients can self refer into this service by calling 0300 303 4922 from 9am – 5pm on Monday – Saturday.

Appointments are available during normal working hours. Some optometry practices offer evening and weekend appointments.

Find a Practice – Search for your nearest participating optical practice

We do offer first contact Musculoskeletal Practitioners (MSK) in the surgery for assessment of problems and no GP appointment or approval is required to book into these appointments.

Alternatively, if you just simply want a course of Physiotherapy for a problem, you can self-refer to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Physiotherapy team. They operate across Hampshire and the easiest and quickest way to access our Physiotherapy services is to self-refer.     

To self-refer to physiotherapy you must:

• Be aged 16 or over
• Be registered with a GP surgery (excluding North Hampshire and the IOW)
• Have a musculoskeletal (MSK) pain/condition.

Physiotherapy form :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust