Don’t wait for a doctor’s appointment; go straight to your pharmacy first!

Pharmacies in Alwoodley offer a service called Pharmacy First that gives you more choice and easier access when you need health advice and treatment.

Your local pharmacy can give you advice and, if needed, medicines for common illnesses, so you don’t have to make an appointment with your GP.

Your pharmacist is a qualified health care professional who can help with your health problems.  The pharmacist may offer you a private space to talk to you about your symptoms.

If you don’t normally pay for your prescriptions, then any medicines prescribed by your pharmacist will be free.

If you do pay for your prescriptions, then the cost of the medicines should be less that the prescription charge and you get advice from your pharmacist.

Just ask your pharmacist about Pharmacy First.

The Pharmacy First service is commissioned to provide the population of Morley with rapid access to a pharmacist who can give self-care advice on a range of minor ailments without an appointment. The provides an appropriate alternative to the use of general practice or other health care environment (i.e. A&E, Out of Hours Urgent Care).

How Do I Know If I Can Use The Pharmacy First Scheme?

The Pharmacy First scheme is available to anyone registered with a GP practice in Leeds, who doesn’t usually pay for prescriptions.

What About Children?

Yes, children are included in Pharmacy First.

How Do I Know Which Pharmacy To Go To?

All Pharmacies will display a Pharmacy First sticker in their window.

What Conditions Are Included In The Scheme?

The conditions currently covered by the scheme are:

• Coughs
• Sore throats
• Athletes foot
• Fevers
• Colds
• Threadworms
• Thrush
• Blocked noses
• Teething
• Earaches
• Hay fever
• Sprains or strains

Will I Always Get Medicine?

Not always, because medicines are not always the best way to treat a health problem. If this is the case, the pharmacist will give you advice on how to treat your symptoms.

Can My Pharmacist Refer Me To My GP?

If the pharmacist thinks you need to see your doctor or nurse urgently, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP.  They will tell your doctor or nurse that you have been to the pharmacy and the reason you have been referred to them. If it is not urgent, the pharmacist will advise you to make an appointment to see your GP.

What Should I Do If My Symptoms Don’t Go Away?

If your symptoms don’t go away, you should seek further advice from your pharmacist or GP.   Remember to bring any medication you may have been taking with you.