25/01/2026
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A Nottinghamshire man is one of the many patients to benefit from using the Pharmacy First service, which gives convenient access to NHS medicines and expert advice.
Kevin Walker from Clipstone in Nottinghamshire visited Orchard Pharmacy in Mansfield after an insect bite became infected.
Kevin said: “Imran, the pharmacist, was absolutely brilliant. He took a look, asked me some questions, and straight away, he knew what I needed. I got the right medication there and then, no doctor’s appointment needed! It was so quick and easy, and Imran was incredibly helpful and reassuring. Honestly, Pharmacy First is a game-changer.”
Between April and September 2025, community pharmacies in the area provided over 32,000 Pharmacy First consultations to more than 31,000 patients, helping people get the NHS treatment they need, without having to wait for a GP appointment.
Pharmacy First includes NHS treatments for the following seven common conditions (age restrictions apply):
• Sinusitis (people aged 12+ years).
• Sore throat (people aged 5+ years).
• Earache (children and young people aged 1-17 years).
• Impetigo skin condition (people aged 1+ years).
• Shingles (people aged 18+ years).
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections, often called a water infection (women aged 16-64 years).
• Infected insect bite (people aged 1+ years)
For details about the full range of NHS services available from your community pharmacy, see the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire website: notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services/community-pharmacy.