Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary system — most commonly the bladder (cystitis) — and is one of the most frequent reasons women visit a GP or pharmacy in the UK. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and disruptive, appearing suddenly and making everyday activities difficult. In the Medway area, many women find that getting a GP appointment quickly is a challenge, and the NHS Pharmacy First service provides a much-needed alternative.

Under the Pharmacy First UTI pathway, our pharmacist Sukhdip Bahia can assess uncomplicated urinary tract infections in non-pregnant women aged 16 to 64 and supply antibiotic treatment directly. This includes completing a dipstick urine test on site to confirm the diagnosis before prescribing. The entire consultation typically takes around 15 minutes, and you can walk out with your prescription the same day.

Medway Pharmacy on Canterbury Street in Gillingham is open 7 days a week until 10pm, which means if UTI symptoms develop in the evening or at the weekend — as they often do — you do not need to wait for Monday morning. Simply walk in and ask to be seen for Pharmacy First.

Symptoms of a UTI

• A burning or stinging sensation when urinating (dysuria)
• Needing to urinate more often than usual, including at night
• A strong, sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to delay
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen
• Blood in the urine (haematuria) in some cases
• Feeling generally unwell or tired

Who is eligible for Pharmacy First Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) treatment?

The Pharmacy First UTI pathway is available for non-pregnant women aged 16–64 with symptoms of an uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection. It is not available for men, for pregnant women, for women outside the 16–64 age range, or for patients with symptoms suggesting a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) — such as fever, rigor, or loin pain. Patients with catheters, recent urological surgery, or recurrent UTIs requiring further investigation should be referred to a GP.

What can the pharmacist prescribe?

Our pharmacist can supply nitrofurantoin 100mg modified-release capsules for a 3-day course (taken twice daily with food). Nitrofurantoin is the recommended first-line antibiotic for uncomplicated lower UTIs in women, and a 3-day course is both effective and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance. Patients allergic to nitrofurantoin, or in whom it is not appropriate (such as those with significant kidney impairment), may be prescribed trimethoprim instead. The pharmacist will also advise on adequate fluid intake and pain relief with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

What to expect at Medway Pharmacy

UTIs are among the most common conditions treated under the Pharmacy First service at Medway Pharmacy. Sukhdip regularly sees women from across Gillingham, Chatham, and Rainham who appreciate being able to get same-day treatment without a GP appointment — particularly at evenings and weekends when their usual surgery is closed. The on-site urine dipstick test means the assessment is clinically thorough, and patients typically leave with antibiotics within 20 minutes of walking in. If you are experiencing UTI symptoms, do not put it off — untreated UTIs can progress to kidney infections if left too long.

Frequently asked questions

When to see a GP or call 999

While Pharmacy First covers many cases of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), you should seek further care if:

• You have a fever, rigors, or pain in your lower back or side (possible kidney infection)
• You are pregnant — UTIs in pregnancy require different management
• You are immunosuppressed or have other significant health conditions
• You are male, or outside the 16–64 age range covered by Pharmacy First