Pharmacy First: Fast & Free Pharmacist Consultation
At Crest Pharmacy, we know how frustrating it can be to wait days for a GP appointment when you are feeling unwell. That is why we have integrated the NHS Pharmacy First service across all our locations and our online platform. This initiative allows our highly trained pharmacists to provide clinical consultations, reach a diagnosis, and - where needed - issue prescriptions for seven common conditions without you ever needing to step foot in a doctor’s surgery.
Whether you are managing a painful earache, a persistent sore throat, or a suspected UTI, our team is here to provide immediate, expert care. By shifting these common consultations to the pharmacy, we help you get back on your feet faster while ensuring GP appointments remain available for those with more complex medical needs.
We understand that when you’re under the weather, convenience is key. We offer a flexible approach to healthcare that fits your schedule:
Visit Us In-Store: Walk into any of our Crest Pharmacy branches. Our pharmacists will see you in a private consultation room. No appointment is necessary.
Consult Online: If you can’t leave the house, submit our online consultation form. A pharmacist will review your details and call you back - usually within 30 minutes.
Have a question? We're here to help.
We know you might have a few questions, so we’ve gathered the most common ones right here. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Yes. If the pharmacist determines during your call-back consultation that medication is required for one of the seven covered conditions, they can issue a prescription immediately.
If you are in the pharmacy, we dispense it on the spot. If you have an online consultation, you can collect it from your nearest branch or we can arrange delivery via our free next day DPD delivery.
The medication is treated like any other prescription. If you normally pay the standard NHS prescription levy, that charge will apply. If you are exempt from charges, the medication is free.
Both the in-person and online Pharmacy First consultations are provided free of charge by the NHS.
Absolutely. The service covers children for various conditions, such as earaches (from age 1) and sore throats (from age 5). A parent or guardian should be present for the consultation.
Got a question or ready to start your treatment plan? Book a free telephone consultation with us today for advice or to build a personalised weight loss plan. You can book your call online at a time that suits you. Our prescriber will call you at your chosen time and work with you to understand your circumstances and the best solution for you.
