Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: From autumn 2026, NHS Pharmacy First in England has expanded from seven to twelve conditions. The five new conditions are episodic migraine in adults, mild to moderate acne, seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis) in children, outer ear infections (otitis externa) in adults, and scabies and mild skin infections. Unlike the original seven, these new pathways are only available at pharmacies with a registered independent prescribing pharmacist, and the service is being rolled out gradually. The consultation is free, and standard NHS prescription charges apply to any medicine supplied. Check with your local pharmacy whether the new conditions are available. |
If you’ve ever spent a morning trying to get through to your GP for something minor, there’s good news. This autumn, the NHS Pharmacy First service in England is expanding to cover five more everyday conditions, and pharmacists with prescribing qualifications can now treat them directly.
Here’s what’s changing, what you can already get help with, and how to use the service at Newdays Pharmacy.
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First lets you see a pharmacist for certain common conditions without a GP appointment. The pharmacist assesses you in a private consultation room and, where appropriate, supplies NHS treatment. If you pay for prescriptions, you pay the standard NHS charge; if you’re exempt, it’s free.
The service is growing fast. Pharmacies in England dispensed 2.49 million items after a Pharmacy First consultation in 2025/26, up 32% on the year before.
The 5 new conditions
From October 2026, participating pharmacies with an independent prescriber can assess and treat:
- Acne
- Migraine
- Scabies
- Ear infections
- Rhinitis (a persistently blocked or runny nose, including hay fever-type symptoms)
Age limits and eligibility rules apply to each condition. Your pharmacist will check whether you qualify during your consultation.
A closer look at the new conditions
Acne. Spots, blackheads and inflamed skin are common in teenagers but can continue well into adulthood. Our pharmacist can assess how severe your acne is, recommend the right skincare routine and, where suitable, supply treatment. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of scarring and the knock-on effect on confidence.
Migraine. A migraine is more than a bad headache. It often comes with throbbing pain on one side, sensitivity to light or sound, and nausea. If over-the-counter painkillers aren’t working, a pharmacist prescriber can review your symptoms and triggers and discuss other options.
Scabies. Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to an intensely itchy rash that’s often worse at night. It spreads through close skin contact, so it’s common in households, care homes and student accommodation. Everyone in the household usually needs treating at the same time.
Ear infections. Ear pain, a feeling of fullness, reduced hearing and a high temperature can all point to an ear infection. Many clear up on their own within a few days, but some need treatment. Your pharmacist will look in the ear and advise on the best approach.
Rhinitis. Rhinitis means inflammation inside the nose, causing sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and itching. It can be triggered by allergies such as pollen, dust mites or pets, or by other irritants. Getting the right treatment can make a real difference to sleep and day-to-day comfort.
Conditions already covered
These seven conditions remain part of Pharmacy First:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache (children and young people)
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women
Why the expansion matters
The change is part of a wider NHS shift to treat more people closer to home and free up GP appointments for those who need them most. Pharmacists are trained clinicians, and those with prescribing qualifications can now take on more of the care you’d previously have waited days to get.
It also matters locally. Around 10,388 pharmacies were open in England by March 2026, with closures outnumbering openings in every region. Using your local pharmacy for these services helps keep it on the high street.
How to use Pharmacy First at Newdays Pharmacy
- Walk in or book ahead. You can pop into your nearest branch or book a consultation online.
- Get a referral if you have one. NHS 111 or your GP surgery can also refer you to us.
- Have a private consultation. Our pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
- Get treatment or advice. If you need medicine, we can supply it there and then. If your symptoms need further investigation, we’ll refer you on.
What to bring to your appointment
To help your consultation go smoothly, try to bring:
- A list of any medicines you take, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies
- Details of any allergies
- Your NHS number, if you know it (it’s in the NHS App)
- Any referral message from NHS 111 or your GP surgery
You don’t need to be registered with a particular GP surgery to use Pharmacy First, and you can visit any of our branches.
When to see a GP or call 111 instead
Pharmacy First isn’t right for everything. Contact your GP, call NHS 111 or go to A&E if you have a high fever that won’t come down, severe pain, a sudden or very severe headache unlike any you’ve had before, or symptoms that are getting worse quickly.
Visit your local Newdays Pharmacy
Our branches in Twyford, Reading (Coley Park), Eton and Lane End are ready to help. Find your nearest branch or book online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
From autumn 2026, Pharmacy First in England covers five new conditions: episodic migraine in adults, mild to moderate acne in young people and adults, seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis) in children, outer ear infections (otitis externa) in adults, and scabies and mild skin infections. This takes the total number of Pharmacy First conditions from seven to twelve.
No. The five new conditions can only be treated at pharmacies that employ an independent prescribing pharmacist and are registered with NHS England to offer the prescribing service. The rollout is being phased in, starting with a smaller number of pharmacies before expanding across England. Check with your local pharmacy before visiting.
The original seven Pharmacy First conditions are sinusitis, sore throat, earache in children, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. These continue to be available at participating pharmacies alongside the five new conditions.
No. You can visit a participating pharmacy directly without seeing your GP first, and you may also be referred by your GP practice or NHS 111. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and if your condition needs further assessment, they will refer you to your GP or another appropriate service.
The Pharmacy First consultation is free on the NHS. If the pharmacist supplies a prescription medicine, the standard NHS prescription charge applies unless you are exempt or hold a prescription prepayment certificate.
Our pharmacy team can advise you on all Pharmacy First conditions and let you know whether the new prescribing pathways are available at our pharmacy. If a condition cannot be treated here, we will guide you to the most appropriate NHS service. Speak to a member of our team or call the pharmacy for more information.