Pharmacy First
for Everyday Health Conditions
The Pharmacy First for Everyday Health Conditions service is a free community pharmacy service available from participating MediCare across Northern Ireland. For a list of participating MediCare pharmacies please click the button below.
It allows you to speak privately with a pharmacist about a range of common everyday health conditions. Your pharmacist can provide expert advice and, where clinically appropriate, free treatment to help manage your symptoms.
You do not always need to see your GP first. Community pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can assess many common conditions and recommend the most suitable next steps. If your symptoms suggest something more serious, or if you need further medical care, your pharmacist
will refer you to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Pharmacy First for Everyday Health Conditions can help with
and provide free treatment for:
- Acne
- Athlete’s foot
- Diarrhoea
- Ear wax
- Groin area infection
- Haemorrhoids
- Head lice
- Mouth ulcers
- Oral thrush
- Scabies
- Threadworms
- Vaginal thrush
- Verrucae
Collapsible content
Do I need to see a doctor?
Not always. For many everyday health conditions, your local MediCare pharmacist can offer advice and, where suitable, treatment without the need for a GP appointment.
If the pharmacist feels your condition needs further
assessment, they will explain this clearly and advise you where to go next.
Why visit your pharmacist first?
- You can get quick, expert advice for common health concerns.
- Consultations are available in the pharmacy, often without an appointment.
- The service is free for eligible patients.
- Your pharmacist can supply treatment where appropriate.
- Using the pharmacy first helps GP practices focus on patients with more complex medical needs.
What will the pharmacist ask?
The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, your medical history, and any medicines you are currently
taking.
This helps them decide whether Pharmacy First is suitable for you and what advice or treatment is most appropriate.
Your consultation can take place in a private consultation room, so you can speak openly and confidentially.
What if my symptoms do not improve?
If your symptoms persist, get worse, or keep coming back, speak to your local MediCare pharmacist or contact your GP for further advice.
Visit your local MediCare pharmacy
Call into your local MediCare Pharmacy and ask about Pharmacy First for Everyday Health Conditions. Our pharmacy team will let you know whether the service is suitable for you and guide you through the next steps.