Pharmacy or GP: Where to Go for What

The gap Pharmacy First fills

Getting a GP appointment for something that needs treating this week is difficult almost everywhere. Pharmacy First was introduced to take a defined set of common conditions out of that queue entirely.

A pharmacist can assess and, where appropriate, supply prescription-only treatment for seven conditions: sore throat, earache in ages 1 to 17, sinusitis, urinary infection in women aged 16 to 64, shingles, impetigo and infected insect bites.

Come to the pharmacy first for

• Any of the seven conditions above
• Coughs, colds, hay fever, mild skin problems and minor injuries
• Questions about a medicine, a side effect, or how two medicines interact
• Starting or continuing contraception
• A blood pressure check
• Advice after a hospital stay

See a GP for

Symptoms that have persisted for weeks without explanation, anything involving losing weight without trying, or unexplained bleeding, mental health concerns, chronic condition reviews, and anything the pharmacist refers on.

Referral is not a brush-off. Part of the pharmacist's job is recognising what falls outside their scope and saying so.

Go straight to urgent care or 999 for

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or a baby who is floppy and unresponsive. Do not come to a pharmacy first with these.

No appointment needed here

Village Green Pharmacy is open Monday to Saturday 9am–9pm and Sunday 10am–8pm at 1095–1097 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 6QT.