Talk to a pharmacist about anything health related
This is the appointment for when you are not sure which appointment you need. A pharmacist sees you privately, listens to what is going on, and either treats it, supplies something, or tells you exactly who to see instead. The consultation is free. You pay only for anything supplied.
What people bring to this appointment
- A symptom you are not sure is worth a GP appointment
- A question about a medicine you already take, including side effects
- A long-term condition you want to talk through between reviews
- Something you would usually buy over the counter, when you would rather ask first
- A second opinion on advice you have already had
If the pharmacist can treat it, they will. If it belongs somewhere else, you leave knowing where to go and how soon, which is worth more than a wasted week waiting for the wrong appointment.
What happens at the appointment
Tell the team you have booked
Give your name at the counter. Bring a list of the medicines you take, or the boxes themselves if that is easier.
A private conversation
You are seen in the consultation room, not at the counter. The pharmacist asks what has been happening, how long for, and what you have already tried.
Assessment
The pharmacist examines or assesses as far as is appropriate, and is straight with you about what they can and cannot tell from it.
One of three outcomes
Treatment or a supply where that is right; a referral into one of the pharmacy's other services, NHS or private; or a clear signpost to your GP practice, NHS 111, a dentist or A&E.
Something to take away
What was discussed, what to watch for, and when to come back. Where a supply is made, the charge is explained before anything changes hands.
Where you can get this
Questions people ask
Is it really free?
The consultation itself costs nothing. If the pharmacist supplies a medicine, you pay for that medicine, and the price is explained before you commit. Nothing is charged for the pharmacist's time or advice, and you can leave having bought nothing.
What if I do not know which service I need?
That is exactly what this appointment is for. Book it, describe the problem, and the pharmacist works out whether it fits Pharmacy First, a private service, your GP practice or somewhere else entirely. It saves you guessing from a list of service names.
Can I ask about medicines I already take?
Yes, and it is one of the most useful reasons to book. Side effects, interactions with something new, whether a dose still suits you, or what to do about a medicine you keep forgetting. Bring the boxes or a repeat slip if you can.
Will the pharmacist tell my GP?
Only where it matters and with your knowledge. Some outcomes are shared with your practice as a matter of course, for example an NHS service the pharmacy delivers. For a general conversation nothing is sent unless you both agree it should be.
How is this different from Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service with seven named conditions and set criteria. This appointment has no such list. If what you describe turns out to fit Pharmacy First, the pharmacist will use that instead, since it is the right route and the treatment comes under the NHS.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. Bring a family member, a friend or an interpreter if that helps you explain things or remember what was said. If you are booking on behalf of someone else, they should be there too, since the pharmacist needs to speak to the person with the symptoms.
Where this information comes from
Other services
Book at a participating pharmacy
Your care is delivered by the pharmacy, not by WalkInClinics. The pharmacy team checks your eligibility before the appointment goes ahead.