Pharmacy services
Pharmacy First Service
Get support and advice on common illnesses from your nearest pharmacy
Get prescriptions and health advice from your local Well pharmacist

Helping you to stay well and avoid long waits at your GP or in A&E. Pharmacy First will allow you to get health advice from our expert pharmacists. They can then provide NHS treatments for illnesses including:

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How Pharmacy First works

Find your nearest pharmacy

Use the Well Finder to locate your closest pharmacy. When you arrive, ask one of our pharmacy team about our Pharmacy First service.

Complete a private consultation

You will have a confidential consultation with one of our pharmacists. They will discuss your symptoms with you and suggest treatments that can you buy or have prescribed.

Put your pharmacist’s advice into action

Pharmacy First is an express service, so you can start using your NHS treatment or over-the-counter medicine as soon as your pharmacist has recommended it. You may be given self-care advice where medication isn’t appropriate.

With over 760 branches, your nearest Well pharmacy is closer than you think.

Learn more about Pharmacy First
How can Pharmacy First save time?

Pharmacy First will help you get seen by a healthcare professional quickly.

Instead of waiting for a GP appointment, going to A&E or attending out-of-hours NHS services, you can walk into your nearest Well Pharmacy and have a private consultation with one of our pharmacists whenever you need to.

What are the benefits of Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First will allow you to self-treat minor ailments and reduce the time you spend at your GP surgery.

Pharmacists have a range of clinical skills, and they will be able to provide accurate clinical advice without the hassle and waiting times that you might experience using other NHS services like A&E.

If it turns out you need treatment from a GP, your pharmacist can also refer you to them.

Who is eligible for Pharmacy First?

Only patients in England will be eligible for the Pharmacy First service.

If you are based in Scotland, you can access the Pharmacy First Scotland service.

If you are based in Wales, the Common Ailments Service can help you get help for minor illnesses.

Will I need to prove that I don’t have to pay for my prescriptions?

If you are exempt from paying for prescriptions, you should show your pharmacists evidence of this when you speak to them. They will need it if they recommend any medicines to treat your symptoms.

What will the pharmacist ask during my consultation?

Our pharmacist will want to understand:

  • The symptoms you’re experiencing
  • Your medical history
  • If you’re experiencing any other types of illness.

This will help them recommend treatments and medicines that will work for you.

Can I choose to have a video consultation with a pharmacist?

Video consultations are available for our customers who use our NHS repeat prescription service.

Download our app in the App Store or on Google Play to start enjoying free prescription delivery and to speak to our pharmacy team online.

We're here to help

If you're ready to get help for a minor illness, head into your nearest Well Pharmacy.

Our team will be there to support and guide you.

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