NHS Pharmacy First in Gillingham
Get NHS Pharmacy First in Gillingham at Medway Pharmacy, 465 Canterbury Street. Walk in to see a pharmacist about 7 common conditions without a GP appointment, or book a time online if you prefer.
NHS Pharmacy First
The 7 Pharmacy First conditions and age ranges
NHS England sets an age range for each condition. If you fall outside it, our pharmacist will point you to the right service instead.
Sinusitis
Age 12 and over
Sinusitis causes facial pain, nasal congestion, and a thick discharge from the nose. Under…
Sore Throat
Age 5 and over
A sore throat can be assessed at Medway Pharmacy under the NHS Pharmacy First service. Our…
Earache
Age 1 to 17
Earache in children aged 1–17 can be assessed and treated at Medway Pharmacy under the NHS…
Infected Insect Bite
Age 1 and over
An infected insect bite showing spreading redness, swelling, or warmth can be assessed at …
Impetigo
Age 1 and over
Impetigo — the highly contagious bacterial skin infection that causes crusty, honey-colour…
Shingles
Age 18 and over
Shingles — a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus — can be treated …
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Women aged 16 to 64
An uncomplicated UTI in a non-pregnant woman aged 16–64 can be treated at Medway Pharmacy …
Walk in or book
How NHS Pharmacy First works at Medway Pharmacy
You do not need an appointment. Walk in any day between 7:30am and 10pm, including Sundays and evenings, or book online if you would like a set time.
Walk in or book
No appointment needed. Walk in any day from 7:30am to 10pm, or book online if you prefer a set time.
Private consultation
Our pharmacist asks about your symptoms in a private consultation room and may examine you.
Treatment or advice
If you need it, we supply treatment there and then, including antibiotics or antivirals where clinically appropriate.
Safety net
You leave knowing what to do if symptoms get worse, and we let your GP practice know about your visit.
If the pharmacist can't treat you
Pharmacy First follows NHS clinical rules for each condition. If you are outside the age range, your symptoms suggest something more serious, or you need care the service does not cover, our pharmacist will refer you to your GP, NHS 111 or an urgent care service.
When to call 999 or go to A&E
Do not wait to see a pharmacist. Call 999 or go to A&E now if you or your child:
- have difficulty breathing or cannot swallow
- are drooling, or making a high-pitched sound when breathing
- are confused, drowsy or finding it hard to speak
- have severe symptoms that are getting worse quickly
This is not a full list. If you think it is an emergency, call 999. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111.
NHS Pharmacy First questions
The 7 conditions are sinusitis (age 12 and over), sore throat (age 5 and over), earache (age 1 to 17), infected insect bites (age 1 and over), impetigo (age 1 and over), shingles (age 18 and over) and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64.
Yes. For the 7 Pharmacy First conditions, our pharmacists can supply some prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, when they are clinically appropriate. Many of these infections get better on their own, so the pharmacist may recommend self-care or an over-the-counter treatment instead.
No, you can walk in to Medway Pharmacy without an appointment. If you would like a set time, you can book a Pharmacy First consultation online. Your GP practice, NHS 111 or an urgent care service can also refer you to us.
Yes. Medway Pharmacy is open 7 days a week, 7:30am to 10pm, so you can walk in on a Sunday or after work. Hours can differ on bank holidays, so call us on 01634 575805 before coming in on one.
Pharmacy First UTI treatment is for women aged 16 to 64 with symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection. It is not for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, aged 65 or over, under 16, or male. In those cases, speak to your GP practice or NHS 111.
The consultation is free on the NHS. If the pharmacist gives you a medicine, the usual NHS prescription charge applies unless you already get free prescriptions.
Book a Pharmacy First consultation
Walk in any day, or choose a time online. Call us if you are not sure whether Pharmacy First covers your symptoms.
Please wait for a confirmation from Medway Pharmacy before coming in.