Get expert treatment without waiting for a GP appointment
Feeling unwell? Temple Pharmacy can assess and treat seven common conditions through the NHS Pharmacy First service. Speak to a qualified pharmacist in a private consultation room and, when clinically appropriate, receive treatment without seeing your GP first.
Book a consultation
Call 0151 334 5486
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that gives you convenient access to clinical advice and treatment for common health conditions. Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms, consider your medical history and recommend the most suitable next step.
Depending on the assessment, this may include self-care advice, an over-the-counter medicine, a prescription-only treatment or a referral to another NHS service. Antibiotics are only supplied when they are clinically appropriate.
Seven conditions covered by Pharmacy First
The NHS clinical pathways apply to the following conditions and age groups:
Sinusitis
For adults and children aged 12 years and over with symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, a blocked or runny nose and reduced sense of smell.
Sore throat
For adults and children aged 5 years and over with throat pain, discomfort when swallowing or other symptoms of an acute sore throat.
Earache
For children and young people aged 1 to 17 years with symptoms that may be caused by acute otitis media, a middle-ear infection.
Infected insect bites
For adults and children aged 1 year and over when a bite has become increasingly red, painful, warm or swollen.
Impetigo
For adults and children aged 1 year and over with symptoms of this contagious skin infection, such as sores or blisters that develop golden-brown crusts.
Shingles
For adults aged 18 years and over with a painful rash that may appear as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection
For women aged 16 to 64 years with symptoms such as pain when passing urine, needing to urinate more often or passing cloudy urine.
Not sure whether you meet the NHS criteria? Contact our pharmacy team. If Pharmacy First is not suitable for you, we will explain the most appropriate next step.
How it works
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Visit or contact Temple Pharmacy
Walk in, call us or book online. You may also be referred by your GP practice, NHS 111 or another NHS service.
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Speak with the pharmacist
Your consultation will take place in a private room. We will ask about your symptoms, medical history, allergies and any medicines you take. An examination may be needed for some conditions.
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Receive advice or treatment
The pharmacist will recommend the right care for you. Where the NHS pathway allows and it is clinically appropriate, treatment can be supplied without a GP prescription.
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Get clear follow-up guidance
We will explain how to use any treatment, what to expect and when to seek further help. If needed, we will refer you to your GP, NHS 111 or another appropriate service.
What to bring
- Your NHS number, if you know it
- Details of any medicines you currently take
- Information about allergies and existing medical conditions
- Any relevant referral message from your GP practice or NHS 111
You can still access Pharmacy First if you do not know your NHS number or are not registered with a GP.
Is Pharmacy First free?
The pharmacist consultation is provided through the NHS. If a medicine is supplied, standard NHS prescription charges may apply. If you are normally exempt from prescription charges, your usual exemption still applies. Charges may apply to over-the-counter products that are not supplied as part of the NHS service.
Why choose Temple Pharmacy?
- Convenient NHS care close to home in Spital, Wirral
- Consultations with a qualified pharmacist
- A private and confidential consultation room
- Treatment supplied when clinically appropriate
- Clear advice, safety-netting and referral when needed
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment?
You can ask about Pharmacy First without a GP appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, although availability may vary. Booking online or calling ahead can help reduce your waiting time.
Can I use Pharmacy First for my child?
Yes, for certain conditions and age groups. Earache is covered for children and young people aged 1 to 17, sore throat from age 5, and impetigo or infected insect bites from age 1. The pharmacist will confirm eligibility during the assessment.
Will I receive antibiotics?
Not necessarily. Many common conditions improve without antibiotics. The pharmacist follows an NHS clinical pathway and will only supply an antibiotic when it is appropriate and safe.
Can I use the service if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy or breastfeeding does not automatically exclude you from Pharmacy First. Tell the pharmacist so they can assess you safely and decide whether the service is suitable.
What happens if Pharmacy First is not suitable for me?
We will give you advice and direct or refer you to the most appropriate service, such as your GP practice, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or emergency care.
Speak to our Pharmacy First team
Visit Temple Pharmacy at 3 Lancelyn Court Precinct, Spital, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside, CH63 9JP.
Book online
Call 0151 334 5486
Email templepharmacyv@gmail.com