Pharmacy First

Need quick help for a minor illness? With Pharmacy First, you don’t need to wait for a GP appointment — just speak to one of our qualified pharmacists instead.

Pharmacy First is a new NHS service that allows us to assess and treat a range of common conditions, all from the comfort of your local Birmingham pharmacy. It’s fast, free, and you don’t need to be referred. If treatment is suitable, we can offer advice and, in many cases, provide NHS medication there and then.

At Siddiqui Online Pharmacy, all consultations are done remotely — either over the phone or via video call. That means you can still access expert care, even if you can’t leave the house.

What Is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is a national NHS scheme launched in 2024. It gives patients direct access to healthcare advice and treatment from trained pharmacists — without needing to see a GP.

This service includes:

• — Consultations for seven common health conditions
• — Free NHS treatment where appropriate
• — No appointment needed — you can speak to us directly
• — Referrals to GPs or other services if necessary

It’s part of a wider NHS effort to ease pressure on GP surgeries and make it quicker for you to get help with everyday health issues.

What Conditions Can We Treat?

We can assess and treat the following conditions through Pharmacy First:

• — Impetigo
• — Infected insect bites
• — Shingles
• — Sinusitis
• — Sore throat
• — UTIs in women

If you’re not sure whether your symptoms fall under one of these categories, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.

How It Works

You can access Pharmacy First in two simple ways:

Self-referral: Contact us directly to request a consultation

GP/NHS referral: Be referred by NHS 111, your GP, or another healthcare professional

All consultations at Siddiqui Online Pharmacy are carried out by a qualified pharmacist via a secure phone or video call. During your consultation, we will:

• — Assess your symptoms
• — Offer expert advice on how to manage your condition
• — Provide NHS-supplied treatment if suitable
• — Refer you to another service if needed

Why Use Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is all about making healthcare more accessible — without the wait. It’s ideal for minor conditions that don’t need a GP but still require professional advice or treatment.

Here’s why it’s worth using:

• — Fast access to care – No need to wait days for a GP appointment
• — Free NHS treatment – If suitable, we can supply medicines at no cost
• — Expert advice – All consultations are with fully trained pharmacists
• — Flexible consultations – Phone or video appointments from the comfort of your home
• — Relieves pressure on GPs – Helping practices focus on more complex needs

By choosing Pharmacy First, you’re not only getting the care you need faster — you’re also helping the wider NHS work more efficiently.

Book Your Consultation

Need help with a minor condition? Skip the GP queue and speak to a pharmacist instead.

At Siddiqui Online Pharmacy, Pharmacy First consultations are available by phone or video call — no appointment or referral needed. Fill out the booking form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.