Urinary Tract Infection - Pharmacy First

If you're experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), you may not need to wait for a GP appointment. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our qualified pharmacists can assess uncomplicated UTIs in eligible patients and, where clinically appropriate, provide NHS treatment, including antibiotics.

This service is available for women aged 16 to 64 with symptoms of an uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (UTI).

What happens during your consultation?

During your consultation, one of our pharmacists will:

• Discuss your symptoms and medical history

• Assess whether the NHS Pharmacy First service is suitable for you

• Recommend the most appropriate treatment

• Supply NHS medication where clinically appropriate

• Provide comprehensive advice

• Refer you to your GP or another healthcare service if your symptoms require further assessment

The consultation is confidential, professional, and designed to help you access the right advice and treatment as quickly as possible.

Common symptoms of a UTI

You may be suitable for this service if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Pain or a burning sensation when passing urine

• Needing to pass urine more often than usual

• A sudden or frequent urge to urinate

• Passing small amounts of urine

• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine

• Pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen

You should seek an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 11 if:

·       you're aged 65 or older

·       your child is aged 15 or younger

·       you have a very high or low temperature, feel hot or cold, or are shivering

·       you're a man, or are trans or non-binary and were assigned male at birth

·       you have diabetes

·       you keep getting UTIs (2 within 6 months, or 3 within 12 months)

·       you use a catheter

·       you're pregnant

·       you have pain in the back, just under the ribs

·       you have blood in your pee – your pee may look bright pink, red or dark brown

·       you have a weakened immune system

Why choose PillBox Chemists?

• NHS Pharmacy First consultations

• No GP appointment required

• Qualified pharmacists providing expert clinical advice

• NHS treatment available where clinically appropriate

• Convenient appointments and walk-in availability at most branches

• Friendly, professional care close to home

If you're unsure whether this service is right for you, our pharmacy team will be happy to help. We'll assess your symptoms, answer any questions, and make sure you receive the most appropriate care.

Please note: This NHS service is available to eligible patients only. Treatment is provided following a clinical assessment and in accordance with NHS Pharmacy First guidelines. If your symptoms fall outside the service criteria or require further investigation, our pharmacist will advise you on the next appropriate steps or refer you to another healthcare professional if needed. Where medication is prescribed e.g. antibiotics, if you are not exempt from prescription charges, you will need to pay the standard NHS prescription charge.