Free NHS treatment for common conditions, with no appointment
Care at the Chemist is an NHS service in Cheshire and Merseyside. A pharmacist gives you advice and, where it is right for you, treatment for common conditions such as hay fever, head lice and diarrhoea. It is free if you are registered with a GP there and do not pay for prescriptions. Walk in, no appointment needed.
Check you can use the service
You can use Care at the Chemist if:
- you are registered with a GP surgery in Cheshire and Merseyside
- you do not pay for prescriptions
- you come into the pharmacy, or you are the parent or carer of the child being seen
Bring something that shows your GP surgery, such as a recent prescription or repeat slip. Also bring something that shows who you are, such as a bank card or driving licence. Unless you are exempt because of your age, you sign a short form to confirm you do not pay for prescriptions. There is a limit on how often you can use the service. If you pay for prescriptions, the pharmacist can still give you advice.
Conditions the service covers
The pharmacist can help with short-term, minor conditions including:
- Athlete's foot and ringworm
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Cold sores
- Constipation
- Coughs, colds and flu symptoms
- Diarrhoea
- Ear wax
- Haemorrhoids (piles)
- Hay fever
- Head lice
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Infrequent migraine
- Insect bites and stings
- Mild irritant dermatitis
- Mouth ulcers
- Nappy rash
- Nasal congestion
- Oral thrush
- Pain, discomfort and fever
- Scabies
- Teething and mild toothache
- Threadworm
- Vaginal thrush
- Warts and verrucae
What happens when you come in
Walk in and ask at the counter
You do not need an appointment. Ask for Care at the Chemist at any time the pharmacy is open. If you would rather have a set time, you can book one online.
A private chat with the pharmacist
The pharmacist asks about your symptoms, how long you have had them and any medicines you take. You can talk in the private consultation room.
Advice, and a medicine if you need one
If a medicine on the service's list is right for you, the pharmacist gives it to you free. If not, they explain what to do next.
Sent to the right place if it is more than minor
If your symptoms need your GP surgery, NHS 111 or A&E, the pharmacist tells you and helps you get there.
Where you can get this
Lower House Pharmacy
Liverpool, L11 2SF
Free if you are eligible
Walk in during opening hours. No appointment needed.
Questions people ask
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in during opening hours and ask for Care at the Chemist. You can book a time online if you prefer, but you do not have to.
Is it free?
Yes, if you are eligible. The service is for people registered with a GP in Cheshire and Merseyside who do not pay for prescriptions. If you pay for prescriptions, the pharmacist can still give you advice.
What should I bring?
Bring something that shows which GP surgery you are registered with, such as a recent prescription or repeat slip. Also bring something that shows who you are, such as a bank card or driving licence. If you are not sure, ask at the counter.
Can I use it for my child?
Yes. The parent or carer comes in with the child. The pharmacist checks that any medicine is suitable for the child's age.
How is it different from Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is a national NHS service for 7 conditions, such as sore throat and earache, where the pharmacist can supply some prescription medicines. Care at the Chemist is a local NHS service for everyday minor conditions.
Where this information comes from
Other services
Walk in to a participating pharmacy, or book
Your care is delivered by the pharmacy, not by WalkInClinics. The pharmacy team checks your eligibility before the appointment goes ahead.