Free NHS Consultation in Wythenshawe
See one of our pharmacists for assessment and treatment of 7 common conditions — no GP appointment needed. The consultation is free for everyone. If medication is clinically appropriate and prescribed, standard NHS prescription charges apply (currently £9.90 per item) unless you are exempt.
- NHS Funded
- No GP Appointment Needed
- Medication charges may apply if prescribed
7 Common Conditions Treated
Under Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess, diagnose, and treat these conditions — supplying clinically appropriate NHS medication where needed.
Sinusitis
- Who it's for
- Adults and children aged 12 and over
- Key symptoms
- Facial pain or pressure, blocked or runny nose, reduced sense of smell, lasting more than 10 days.
- When we cannot treat
- Severe symptoms, signs of complications, a weakened immune system, or pregnancy (see your GP).
- If appropriate
- If you need it, the pharmacist can give you antibiotics without a GP prescription.
Sore Throat
- Who it's for
- Adults and children aged 5 and over
- Key symptoms
- Sore throat, pain on swallowing, fever, white or yellow patches on the tonsils.
- When we cannot treat
- Severe or life-threatening symptoms, a swelling at the back of the throat (quinsy), or a weakened immune system. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva, call 999 or go to A&E.
- If appropriate
- If you need it, the pharmacist can give you antibiotics without a GP prescription.
Earache (Otitis Media)
- Who it's for
- Children aged 1 to 17
- Key symptoms
- Ear pain, fever, irritability, reduced hearing.
- When we cannot treat
- Under 1 year, a burst eardrum, grommets (small ear tubes) in place, repeated ear infections, or a weakened immune system.
- If appropriate
- If you need it, the pharmacist can give you antibiotics without a GP prescription.
Infected Insect Bite
- Who it's for
- Adults and children aged 1 and over
- Key symptoms
- Redness, swelling, warmth and pain around the bite site, signs of infection.
- When we cannot treat
- Feeling generally very unwell, feverish or shivery, a severe allergic reaction, a large area of spreading redness, or a weakened immune system.
- If appropriate
- If you need it, the pharmacist can give you antibiotics without a GP prescription.
Impetigo
- Who it's for
- Adults and children aged 1 and over
- Key symptoms
- Sores, blisters and crusting — typically on the face, hands or scalp.
- When we cannot treat
- Widespread or severe infection, a weakened immune system, or repeated episodes (see your GP).
- If appropriate
- Treated with a topical treatment for localised infection, or oral antibiotics where the infection is more widespread.
Shingles
- Who it's for
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Key symptoms
- Painful rash, blistering on one side of the body, burning or tingling sensation.
- When we cannot treat
- Shingles on the head, face or neck; a severely weakened immune system; pregnancy; or a rash that started more than 7 days ago. Treatment works best within 3 days of the rash appearing, so contact us as soon as you notice it. Go to A&E straight away if the rash is near your eye, your eyesight changes, your face droops on one side, or you have a stiff neck or feel confused.
- If appropriate
- If you need it, the pharmacist can give you antiviral tablets without a GP prescription.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Who it's for
- Women aged 16 to 64 (uncomplicated UTI only)
- Key symptoms
- Pain or burning when you pee, needing to pee more often or more urgently, pain low in your tummy.
- When we cannot treat
- Men, pregnant women, under 16, over 64, recurrent UTIs (2+ in 6 months), catheter users, symptoms lasting more than 7 days, or a high temperature or pain in your back or side, below the ribs: contact your GP or NHS 111 the same day.
- If appropriate
- If you need it, the pharmacist can give you antibiotics without a GP prescription.
Three Simple Steps To Treatment
No referral, no red tape — just expert NHS care when you need it
Walk In or Book
Visit Bowland Pharmacy during opening hours or book a convenient slot online. No GP referral needed — and no GP registration required.
Pharmacist Assessment
Our trained pharmacist will assess your symptoms in a private consultation room and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Receive Your Treatment
If clinically appropriate, you'll receive NHS medication on the spot. Standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you are exempt.
Who Is Eligible?
You do not need to be registered with a GP to use Pharmacy First. The service is available to everyone — simply walk in to Bowland Pharmacy. Most conditions can be treated for patients of all ages; age eligibility varies by condition. UTI treatment is available for women aged 16–64 only. Earache treatment is available for children aged 1–17 only. If your condition requires further investigation, our pharmacist will refer you to the appropriate NHS service.
Pharmacy First — Your Questions Answered
Yes. The consultation with our pharmacist is completely free for everyone — you do not need to be registered with a GP, and there is no charge to be seen. If medication is clinically appropriate and prescribed as part of the service, standard NHS prescription charges apply (currently £9.90 per item) unless you are exempt. Exemptions include children under 16, people over 60, those with certain medical conditions, and anyone holding a valid prepayment certificate.
No. That's the whole point of Pharmacy First — you can come directly to Bowland Pharmacy without a GP appointment or referral. Simply walk in during opening hours.
We can treat 7 common conditions: sinusitis (aged 12+), sore throat (aged 5+), earache (children aged 1–17), infected insect bites (aged 1+), impetigo (aged 1+), shingles (aged 18+), and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16–64.
No. You do not need to be registered with a GP to use Pharmacy First at Bowland Pharmacy. The service is available to everyone — simply walk in.
If our pharmacist determines that your condition needs further investigation or treatment beyond our scope, we'll refer you to the appropriate NHS service, such as your GP or urgent care.
Yes, several Pharmacy First conditions can be treated in children. Earache is available for children aged 1–17. Sinusitis can be treated from age 12, sore throat from age 5, and infected insect bites and impetigo from age 1. Shingles treatment is for adults aged 18 and over, and UTI treatment is for women aged 16–64 only.
Get NHS Treatment Today
Don't wait weeks for a GP appointment. Visit Bowland Pharmacy for your NHS Pharmacy First consultation — no GP registration required, no referral needed. Walk in or book a slot online.
Book your Pharmacy First consultation
Pick a condition and a time below for a free NHS consultation at Bowland Pharmacy.