Managing Your Health.

Pharmacy First Service - Community Pharmacy NI

The NHS Pharmacy First service (formerly Minor Ailments Scheme) allows pharmacists to provide expert advice and treatment for common, non-urgent conditions without a GP appointment. It aims to treat conditions like sore throats, earaches, and minor skin infections quickly, offering free medication to eligible patients. No appointment is needed, and private consultations are available.

Common Ailments Treated by Pharmacists


Pharmacists can advise and recommend over-the-counter medicines for a wide range of conditions, including:

Skin : Acne, eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, athlete’s foot, bites/stings, warts, and verrucas.

Digestive : Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, and threadworms.

Others :  Conjunctivitis, hay fever/allergies, nappy rash, teething, thrush, and cystitis.

Pharmacy First (Specific Conditions)
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicine (if appropriate) for seven common conditions without a GP visit:
  1. Sinusitis (aged 12+)
  2. Sore throat (aged 5+)
  3. Earache (aged 1–17 years)
  4. Infected insect bite (aged 1+)
  5. Impetigo (aged 1+)
  6. Shingles (aged 18+)
  7. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women 16–64)
How to Access the Service 
  • Walk-in: Visit your local pharmacy during their open hours.
  • GP Referral: You may be referred to a pharmacy by your GP surgery, NHS 111, or an urgent care service.
  • Eligibility: While open to everyone for advice, those who do not normally pay for prescriptions (e.g., in Scotland) may receive medicines for free.
  • If the pharmacist believes your symptoms require more urgent medical attention, they will refer you to a GP or A&E.

Over the counter medication leaflet.


What is Mental Health? | Cloughside College

You and Your Mental Health

We currently have 2 Mental Health clinicians on our team. A Mental Health Facilitator who deals with people that have already been triaged into the mental health system.

We also have a Mental Health practitioner who works every Wednesday dealing with acute on the day issues.

You can also contact the Central Access Point Team by calling the numbers below

Urgent – 0808 800 3302

Non Urgent – 0116 2953060

There are also Mental Health support Cafes available in Loughborough at The Wellbeing Centre On Monday and Friday evenings from 05.30pm – 10.30pm

Thursday Evening at Loughborough University Campus. 05.30pm – 10.30pm