WHAT IS THE NHS PHARMACY FIRST SERVICE?
Anyone can come into our pharmacy for advice or to buy a medicine for a minor illness or ailment.
This is a NHS service for all in Scotland, including children. It means that if our pharmacist thinks you need it then they can give you a medicine on the NHS without you having to pay for it. It will also save you making an appointment with your GP simply to get a prescription.
WHO IS THE SERVICE FOR?
You can use the NHS Pharmacy First Service if:
• you are registered with a GP surgery in Scotland, and
• you don't pay for your prescriptions, and
• you don't live in a nursing or residential care home.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
• You register for the service with our pharmacy.
• You don't have to make an appointment. You can just come along at a time that suits you.
• Your consultation will always be with a qualified pharmacist.
• If our pharmacist thinks that you need a medicine or product to treat your symptoms they will give you this without you needing to pay.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
• Our pharmacist will ask you for some details - your name, date of birth, gender, and postcode. He or she will also check whether you pay for your prescriptions.
• You will be asked to sign a form and mark the reason why you don't pay for your prescriptions.
• The pharmacist may ask you for proof of your exemption, for example your maternity, medical exemption or HC2 certificate Try to remember to bring this information with you.
WHAT DOES THE SERVICE OFFER?
• You will be able to get advice and free treatment from our pharmacist for minor illnesses and ailments such as:
acne
athlete's foot
back ache
cold sores
constipation
cough
diarrhoea
ear ache
eczema and allergies
haemorrhoids (piles)
hay fever
headache
head lice
indigestion
mouth ulcers
nasal congestion
pain
period pain
thrush
sore throat
threadworms
warts and verrucae
• If the pharmacist feels that it is better for you to see your GP then they may refer you directly or tell you to make an appointment.
YOU WILL STILL HAVE TO GO TO YOUR GP IF:
• the pharmacist suggests you should, or
• you need a medicine that you can only get on prescription.
Remember you can still make an appointment with your GP if that is more suitable for you