Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First in Northern Ireland

At Corrys Chemists, we provide the Pharmacy First service as part of Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care (HSC) system. Pharmacy First enables eligible patients to receive assessment, advice, and treatment for a range of common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without needing to see a GP first.

This free service is available at our Castlederg, Enniskillen, and Gortin branches and helps improve access to care while supporting GP services across Northern Ireland.

For full details of the Northern Ireland framework, visit the official HSC NI page:
Pharmacy First – Health and Social Care Northern Ireland.

The Four Pharmacy First Services in Northern Ireland

Pharmacy First in Northern Ireland includes four structured services delivered by trained community pharmacists under HSC clinical protocols.

1. Pharmacy First for Everyday Health Conditions

This service is offered from every community pharmacy in Northern Ireland and provides professional advice and, where appropriate, treatment for common minor conditions.

Conditions commonly supported include:

• Acne
• Athlete’s foot
• Diarrhoea
• Earwax
• Groin infection
• Haemorrhoids
• Head lice
• Mouth ulcers
• Oral thrush
• Scabies
• Threadworms
• Vaginal thrush
• Verrucae

Treatment is provided only when clinically appropriate and within service guidelines.

2. Pharmacy First for Emergency Hormonal Contraception

Eligible patients can access emergency hormonal contraception (the morning after pill) directly from our pharmacy without seeing a GP. Our pharmacists provide confidential assessment and supply where appropriate under HSC guidelines.

3. Pharmacy First for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

This service allows pharmacists to assess and treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women who meet specific eligibility criteria. Clinical assessment ensures safe and appropriate supply of treatment.

4. Pharmacy First for Sore Throat

Pharmacists can assess sore throat symptoms using structured consultation and clinical criteria. Where appropriate, treatment may be supplied under the Pharmacy First protocol.

How Pharmacy First Works

Visit our Castlederg, Enniskillen, or Gortin branch and ask to speak with the pharmacist. No appointment is usually required.

During your consultation, the pharmacist will:

• Discuss your symptoms and medical history
• Assess eligibility under Pharmacy First criteria
• Provide advice and reassurance
• Supply treatment where clinically appropriate
• Refer you to your GP or another healthcare service if necessary

Who Can Use Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is available to eligible patients registered with a GP in Northern Ireland. Eligibility depends on age, symptoms, medical history, and HSC service criteria.

The service is free under the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care (HSC) system.

Confidential Consultations

All consultations take place in a private consultation area. Your personal and medical information is handled in line with UK GDPR and professional pharmacy standards.

Visit Corrys Chemists for Pharmacy First

• Castlederg
• Enniskillen
• Gortin

No appointment is necessary. Simply speak to a member of our pharmacy team for professional, accessible care in Northern Ireland.