Treating Minor Illness

Think Pharmacy First

Advice and treatment

Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help.

They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First).

Conditions they can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:

Visit www.patienttriage.co.uk/the-haling-park-partnership to fill in an assessment and self-refer online if you have one of these conditions or you can walk into your local pharmacy.

The pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or another healthcare professional if needed.

Pharmacies will update your GP health record.

If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.

Please note on weekends online self-referral may take longer as the practice is closed and will not look at your assessment till we are open, for quicker response please walk into your local pharmacy.

Find a Pharmacy: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Getting the contraceptive pill without a prescription

You may be able to get the contraceptive pill from a pharmacy if you need to:

  • start the contraceptive pill for the first time
  • take the contraceptive pill again after a break from using it If you already have a prescription for the contraceptive pill, you can use the prescription as usual. Or you can get the pill from a pharmacy without a prescription if you prefer.

Find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription

Get a free blood pressure check

You can get a free blood pressure checked at a pharmacy without seeing a GP, if you:

  • are aged 40 or over
  • live in England

You cannot get a free blood pressure check if you:

  • already have high blood pressure
  • have had your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the past 6 months

Some pharmacies offer a free blood pressure check. Click here to find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks

Emergency Medicines

If you’ve run out of your regular medication and need an emergency prescription, the NHS can help. Use the Emergency Prescription Service to request a limited emergency supply of a medicine you’ve completely run out of.

Key Points:

  • This service is only for medicines you are prescribed regularly through a repeat prescription.
  • You will be charged your usual prescription fee unless you’re exempt, in which case it will be free.

When Not to Use This Service:

  • If you need medicine and also have symptoms, call 111 and speak to an adviser instead.
  • This service cannot be used for:
    • Antibiotics for a new or recent problem.
    • Controlled drugs that require identification to collect.

NHS App

We’re excited to let you know about the benefits of using the NHS App to manage your healthcare needs quickly and conveniently. Here’s what you can do with just a few taps:

Key Features of the NHS App:

  • Order Repeat Prescriptions
    • Skip the phone calls and visits—order your repeat prescriptions anytime, anywhere.
    • Track the status of your prescriptions and know when they’re ready.
  • Access GP Services
    • Book and cancel GP appointments directly through the app.
    • View your medical records securely, including test results, immunisations, and allergies.
  • Get Health Advice
    • Access trusted health advice from the NHS website and 111 online.
    • Check your symptoms with an online symptom checker.

How to Get Started:

  • Download the NHS App from the App Store or Google Play.
  • Register for an account using your email and NHS number.
  • Verify your identity to unlock all features securely.

Need Help?

If you need assistance setting up the app or have any questions, our staff are here to help. Drop by the reception, and we’ll guide you through the process.