If you’ve heard about the Pharmacy First service and are wondering whether it means you’ll no longer be able to see your GP, you’re not alone. Many patients ask us whether visiting a pharmacy for treatment means they’re being “pushed out” of the GP system or whether they’re receiving second-best care.

At Midnight Pharmacy, we want to reassure you that this is absolutely not the case. The Pharmacy First service—launched by the NHS in England—is designed to work alongside GPs, not replace them. It offers faster, more convenient access to treatment for common conditions and helps free up GP appointments for more complex needs.

In this blog, we’ll explain how Pharmacy First clinical pathways work, what conditions we can treat, and how we ensure continuity of care by referring you to your GP or another health professional if needed.

What Is the Pharmacy First Service?

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows community pharmacies like ours to treat certain common conditions without needing a GP appointment. This means you can walk into Midnight Pharmacy in Bradford and speak directly with a trained pharmacist who can assess your symptoms, provide clinical advice, and, where appropriate, offer prescription medication—including antibiotics.

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It’s available to people who are registered with a GP in England and helps reduce wait times and pressure on local surgeries.

What Are Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways?

Pharmacy First clinical pathways refer to specific health conditions that pharmacists are now trained and authorised to assess and treat, following NHS-approved clinical protocols.

At Midnight Pharmacy, we can treat the following seven conditions under these pathways:

1. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16–64

2. Impetigo

3. Infected insect bites

4. Shingles

5. Sinusitis

6. Sore throat

7. Acute otitis media (ear ache and infections in children aged 1–17)

Each condition has a clearly defined assessment and treatment process, ensuring safe, effective care. If your symptoms match the clinical pathway and you meet the criteria, we can offer treatment straight away—often without the need to book ahead.

Can I Still See My GP?

Yes, absolutely. Pharmacy First is not a replacement for your GP—it simply gives you another way to access care quickly when you have a minor or manageable condition. You remain fully registered with your GP, and your records stay with them.

If you come to us and we determine that your symptoms require further investigation, or if you fall outside the treatment criteria, we’ll advise you to contact your GP or refer you ourselves, depending on the situation. This ensures that your care is joined-up, safe, and appropriate.

Think of Pharmacy First as a first step, not a final destination. If we can treat you, we will. If your condition requires escalation, we’ll make sure you get to the right place.

Will My GP Know I’ve Been Treated?

Yes—we share information with your GP to keep your records up to date. With your consent, we’ll notify your GP surgery of any treatment we provide under the Pharmacy First scheme, including medication supplied. This way, your GP stays informed of your care, and nothing gets missed.

Why Choose Pharmacy First?

There are many benefits to using Pharmacy First:

• –> No need for a GP appointment for minor conditions

• –> Faster access to treatment

• –> Private consultation rooms for discretion and comfort

• –> Qualified pharmacists following NHS-approved clinical pathways

• –> Free service for eligible NHS patients

Our pharmacists are trained in clinical assessment and prescribing under these specific pathways. We follow strict protocols to ensure you receive care that’s not only convenient but also safe, evidence-based, and consistent with NHS guidelines.

What If I Need Further Help?

At Midnight Pharmacy, we take a thorough approach to your care. If you show signs of a more serious infection or if your symptoms don’t respond to treatment, we’ll recommend the next appropriate step. This could include:

• –> Seeing your GP

• –> Referring you to an urgent care centre

• –> Advising follow-up if symptoms worsen

We’re also happy to answer your questions about medications, side effects, and ongoing symptom monitoring.

Visit Midnight Pharmacy for NHS Treatment

If you’re dealing with a sore throat, earache, a suspected UTI, or any of the other conditions covered by Pharmacy First clinical pathways, you don’t have to wait for a GP appointment.

Pop into Midnight Pharmacy and speak to one of our trained pharmacists. We’ll carry out a confidential consultation, offer appropriate treatment, or point you in the right direction if more support is needed.

With Pharmacy First, healthcare is more accessible than ever—and we’re proud to play our part in helping you stay well.

This blog was written on behalf of Midnight Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.