Pharmacies
Pharmacies are places you can go to buy medication, get your prescriptions and general medical advice. Many pharmacies are open late and over the weekends and you do not need an appointment to see a professional. Some offer free delivery services, so check with your local pharmacy.
Get prescription medication for some conditions without a GP appointment
Community pharmacists can also supply prescription medicines if you need them for seven different conditions without you needing to see a GP, under a new scheme called Pharmacy First.
These conditions are:
- earache in children (aged 1 to 17 years)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16 to 64 years)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
How do I find my nearest pharmacy?
Go to the NHS website to search for your closest pharmacy.
How do I get a prescription?
You can only get some medications with a prescription from a GP or hospital.
If you think you may need antibiotics or any other medication that requires a prescription, you need to make an appointment with your GP to get a prescription.
The GP will then give you a prescription you can take to a pharmacy to get your medication. Some prescriptions are free, but most have a flat rate charge.
How do I get a repeat prescription?
To request a repeat prescription will need to request this at your GP Practice. Every GP Practice does this differently. You may need to:
- Phone up the GP
- Write a letter to the GP
- Send them an email
- Submit a request via an app, like the NHS app
Can I take my prescription to any pharmacy?
If your GP gives you a prescription, you can take this to any local pharmacy. You may not be able to take this prescription to a hospital pharmacy.
If a hospital gives you a prescription, this prescription often is only valid at that hospital.
You can find your nearest pharmacy via the NHS website.
Can I get help paying for prescriptions?
You can apply for a HC2 certificate, which helps you with your healthcare costs.
Visit their website to make an application and you may be able to get to free prescriptions.
Can I pay for my prescriptions monthly?
If your GP says you need medication, they will give you a prescription that you can use at any local pharmacy. You often need to pay for prescriptions.The standard cost is £9.90 per item.
If you require many prescriptions, you may find it cheaper to purchase a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need. A PPC does not cover the cost of other health items, such as wigs and fabric supports.
- A 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months.
- A 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year.
- A hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year.
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