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Pharmacy-First: Minor Ailment Support at your Local Pharmacy
Shafia Munir
4th June 2025

When you're dealing with everyday health concerns, you shouldn’t have to wait days for an appointment or stress about where to turn. Minor health issues can be frustrating, especially when they interfere with your daily routine. Waiting for help can make things worse, but getting the right support shouldn't be complicated. That’s why our Pharmacy First service is here to help. At Eastwood Health Pharmacy, we offer trusted, convenient support for minor ailments. We provide quick, reliable support for minor health problems, right when you need it. Our experienced pharmacists are on hand to listen, give advice, and recommend suitable treatments. In many cases, we can also provide prescription medications without the need to see your GP.

This guide answers some common questions about how we can help with minor ailments and why coming to us first often makes sense. And if you're ever unsure or just want to feel better sooner, speak to us at Eastwood Health pharmacy. We're local, we're approachable, and we're ready to help.

What Are Common Minor Health Conditions and Why Is the Pharmacy-First Approach Important?

We all deal with minor health issues now and then, things like sore throats, blocked noses, hay fever, skin rashes, or a bit of an upset stomach. They’re not usually serious, but they can make you feel off and stop you from getting on with your day. Most of the time, you don’t need to see a GP for things like this but that doesn’t mean you should just put up with it. That’s where Eastwood Health pharmacy in Nottingham comes in. We can assess your symptoms, talk you through your options, and help you manage the issue with the right treatment.

Whether it’s something you can buy over the counter or something that needs a private prescription, we’ll point you in the right direction. A pharmacy-first approach means you don’t have to wait days to speak to someone, you can get the help you need quickly, from people who know what they’re doing. And by doing that, you reduce pressure on GPs and clinics, keeping the healthcare system running more smoothly for everyone.

How We Assess and Support Minor Ailments

When you come into Eastwood Health Pharmacy with a minor health issue, we use our professional medical knowledge and conduct a comprehensive evaluation process. During the consultation, we’ll assess your symptoms, medical history and other relevant information that might be useful to know to determine the right treatment. From there, we’ll help you figure out what to do next using evidence-based protocols. That might be suggesting over-the-counter medicine, some self-care advice, or if it looks like something that needs more attention, we’ll let you know and point you to the right healthcare professional.

We’ll make sure you’re comfortable and that you leave knowing exactly what to do next. Our goal is to make sure you leave with a clear plan and the right support. We follow up-to-date clinical guidance to make sure the advice we give is safe, effective, and right for your situation. It’s healthcare that’s accessible, sensible, and built around you.

What Minor Treatments We Offer at Eastwood Health Pharmacy?

At Eastwood Health Pharmacy, we see all sorts of everyday health concerns, the kind that slow you down but usually don’t need a GP appointment. Here are a few things we can support you with:

• Suggesting the right over-the-counter treatments for your symptoms

• Giving clear advice on self-care and simple remedies you can try at home

• Recommending small lifestyle changes that might help you recover faster

• Directions on when it’s best to speak to a doctor for further medical help.

What conditions Can You Get Help With at the Pharmacy?

Thanks to the Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can now provide advice and NHS-funded treatment and help with seven common conditions, no need to book a GP appointment.

Condition Age-Range

Earache All adults and children aged 1 to 17 years

Infected insect bite All adults and children aged 1 year and over

Impetigo All adults and children aged 1 year and over

Shingles Adults aged 18 years and over

Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) Adults and children aged 12 years and over

Sore throat Adults and children aged 5 years and over

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in females Females aged 16-64 years

Depending on what’s going on, we might suggest an over-the-counter medicine or some simple self-care advice. In some cases, we can also offer NHS-funded treatment if it’s appropriate, just like a GP would. Standard prescription charges apply if you normally pay for your prescriptions.

If it turns out we can’t treat it in the pharmacy, for example, if your symptoms are more serious or ongoing, we’ll let you know and direct you to the right place to get further help. Some conditions and patients are excluded, like if you’re immunocompromised or have repeated infections. But we’ll always take the time to make sure you’re getting the right care.

Why Choose Private Services at Eastwood Health Pharmacy?

Private pharmacy services can be a practical option when you need help but can’t wait around for a GP appointment. Maybe you’re travelling, between work shifts, or just want to sort something out quickly and quietly. At Eastwood Health Pharmacy, we’ll have a quick chat about what’s bothering you, check if it’s something we can help with, and suggest the best way forward. Private services can take the pressure off busy healthcare settings and give you faster access to the support you need. For many people, it’s simply the easiest way to deal with a minor health issue.

How to Book a Private Consultation at Your Local Pharmacy?

Booking a private consultation with us is quick and simple. You can easily schedule your appointment online through our booking page. Our private services offer you the benefit of a personal, discreet consultation with one of our trained pharmacists. During your appointment, we’ll take the time to discuss your symptoms, review your health history, and suggest the best treatment options.

Book your private consultation today and enjoy quicker, easier access to healthcare without the wait.