NHS community pharmacy services
NHS care, closer to home
Start with Pharmacy First for seven common conditions, manage repeat prescriptions, or ask our Brick Lane pharmacy team about other eligible NHS services.
NHS Pharmacy First
Seven conditions.
One clinical first step.
Contact a participating pharmacy directly. A pharmacist follows the NHS pathway, checks warning signs and decides whether advice, treatment or referral is appropriate.
Earache
Ages 1–17
Acute otitis media needs an in-person ear examination.
Impetigo
Age 1 and over
Assessment for a localised bacterial skin infection.
Infected insect bites
Age 1 and over
For bites showing signs of infection.
Shingles
Age 18 and over
Early assessment matters, especially when the face or eyes are affected.
Sinusitis
Age 12 and over
Assessment of symptoms that may follow a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Sore throat
Age 5 and over
A clinical pathway helps decide whether self-care, treatment or referral is safest.
Uncomplicated UTI
Women ages 16–64
For eligible women with lower urinary-tract symptoms and no warning signs.
What the consultation can lead to
Assessment comes before medicine.
The outcome may be self-care advice, an over-the-counter option, an NHS medicine supplied under the pathway, or referral to another professional. Antibiotics are supplied only when the clinical pathway says they are appropriate.
The age range is part of each NHS pathway. People outside it can still ask a pharmacist for advice but may need another service for treatment. Call before travelling for a child’s earache because an in-person ear examination is required.
A private clinical consultation
How Pharmacy First works
Tell us what is happening
Share the symptoms, when they started, your age, medical conditions, regular medicines, allergies and anything you have already tried.
The pharmacist assesses you
We check the NHS pathway, warning signs and whether an examination or observations are needed. Some consultations must happen in person.
Leave with a clear next step
You receive advice, suitable treatment or a referral. We explain what to watch for and when to seek more help, and the consultation is shared with your GP record.
NHS repeat prescriptions
Your regular medicines,
with less running around.
Choose Letter Box as your nominated NHS pharmacy. Your GP remains responsible for approving prescriptions; our pharmacists receive, check and dispense them, then arrange free delivery.
- 01
Nominate usChoose Letter Box Pharmacy using our secure prescription service.
- 02
Request your repeatOrder through your GP or the NHS App and allow enough time for approval.
- 03
We dispense and deliverOur pharmacy team checks your prescription and arranges delivery.
More help from your pharmacy
NHS support for medicines and everyday health.
Availability, eligibility and appointment requirements vary. Contact us before travelling if you need a specific service.
Free blood-pressure checks
The NHS service is generally for adults aged 40 or over without diagnosed high blood pressure and without a professional reading in the previous five years. Some younger people at increased risk may also be eligible.
A high reading may lead to monitoring or referral to your GP.
Ask about a blood-pressure checkOral contraception
Eligible patients may be able to start or continue the contraceptive pill through an NHS pharmacy consultation without first obtaining a GP prescription.
The pharmacist checks your health, medicines, blood pressure and suitability.
Explore women’s health supportSeasonal vaccinations
NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccinations may be available during seasonal programmes for eligible groups, subject to current NHS criteria and appointment availability.
Contact us for the current programme, eligibility and stock position.
Check vaccination availabilityHelp with a new medicine
If you start an eligible medicine for a long-term condition, the NHS New Medicine Service can provide follow-up conversations about how to use it, side effects and any concerns.
The service can include up to three pharmacist appointments in person or by telephone.
Ask about medicine supportUrgent repeat medicine
If you cannot obtain your regular repeat medicine in time, NHS 111 or the pharmacy may be able to help arrange an emergency supply after assessment.
Supply is not guaranteed and charges can apply in some circumstances.
Get urgent medicine guidanceUnwanted or expired medicines?
Do not put them in household waste or flush them away. Bring medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal. Contact us first about sharps, needles or specialist items.
Urgent and emergency help
Know when Pharmacy First is not enough.
For life-threatening symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, collapse or signs of a stroke, call 999. If you need urgent advice and are unsure what to do, use NHS 111.
Official guidance