Pharmacy First Services
The Pharmacy First Scheme is available at local chemists and offers free treatments and advice for everyday health conditions such as:
- Acne
- Athletes Foot
- Diarrhoea
- Earwax
- Groin Infection
- Haemorrhoids
- Headlice
- Mouth Ulcers
- Oral Thrush
- Scabies
- Threadworms
- Vaginal Thrush
- Verrucae
You can also avail of over the counter treatment and adivce for:
- coughs
- colds
- eye conditions
- stomach upsets
- skin conditions
- allergies
- aches and pains
- common drugs, vitamins and minor first-aid
- healthy eating and living, including giving up smoking
- blood pressure and diabetes monitoring and needle exchange
- truss fittings
- stoma products and incontinence supplies
- women’s health, including:
- treatment for thrush
- emergency contraception and pregnancy testing
- children’s health, including:
- nappy rash
- teething
- coughs and colds
- threadworms
- head lice
- warts and verrucas
- all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines
When a pharmacist may be able to help: Pharmacy first scheme info:
- Everyday Health Conditions: The box below outlines the conditions available and a protocol for GP practice reception staff is available on the PCI at https://bso.hscni.net/wp-
content/uploads/2022/11/PF- Service-Receptionist-Protocol- everyday-health-conditions.pdf - Emergency Hormonal Contraception: This service provides Sexual Health Advice including risks of STIs and how to get tested, emergency contraception and if clinically appropriate 3 months’ supply of desogestrel bridging contraception, safe-guarding, and signposting.
- UTI service for female patients aged 16 to 64 years: This service facilitates the assessment and treatment of women aged 16-64 years presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated LUTI
- Training materials for GP practice staff
- GP flowchart outlining the exclusion criteria (attached for convenience)
Antibiotic Guardian
You can help to avoid antibiotic resistance by only taking antibiotics when you really need them and when they have been recommended for you by a healthcare professional. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, follow the directions for use carefully and always remember to complete the full recommended course.
Antibiotics may cause side-effects such as thrush, diarrhoea, rash and stomach upset. They can also cause allergic reactions, which may occasionally be severe. It is important to discuss all antibiotic treatments fully with your healthcare professional.
To understand better the symptom duration of cold and flu a new informative website, www.treatyourselfbetter.co.uk, has been developed that features a symptom checker and warning signs support material, to help people understand how long symptoms could last for and when it is appropriate to seek medical assistance.