12 years +
Sinusitis
Persistent facial pain, blocked or runny nose, and pressure around the cheeks or forehead lasting more than 10 days.
NHS Free NHS Service
NHS Pharmacy First in Blackburn
Same-day clinical advice for seven common conditions — without needing a GP appointment. Walk in or call ahead during our extended opening hours, seven days a week.
FREE
NHS-funded consultation
7
Conditions covered
7 days
A week available
No GP
Appointment needed
About the Service
What is NHS Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is a national NHS service that gives patients fast, convenient access to clinical advice and treatment from a qualified pharmacist for a defined list of common conditions. It's designed to take pressure off GP surgeries and Urgent Care, while making it easier for you to get help quickly — often the same day.
At Curo Pharmacy, your consultation takes place in a private room with one of our registered pharmacists. Following a clinical assessment of your symptoms, your pharmacist will discuss appropriate next steps with you — which may include self-care advice, an over-the-counter recommendation, prescribed medication where clinically indicated, or referral to a more suitable care setting if needed.
The consultation is free on the NHS. Standard NHS prescription charges apply if a prescription is issued, unless you are exempt.
Consultation Room Photo
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What's Covered
The seven conditions we can help with
Pharmacy First focuses on common conditions where a pharmacist-led consultation can resolve the issue quickly. Each condition has specific age eligibility set by the NHS.
5 years +
Sore Throat
Painful, scratchy throat with difficulty swallowing — particularly when it persists, comes with fever, or includes swollen glands.
1–17 years
Earache (Acute Otitis Media)
Ear pain caused by middle-ear inflammation. Common in children and often follows a cold or upper respiratory infection.
1 year +
Infected Insect Bites
Bites or stings that show signs of infection — increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the affected area.
1 year +
Impetigo
A common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection that causes red sores or blisters — most often around the nose and mouth.
18 years +
Shingles
A painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Early treatment is important — please seek advice within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
Women 16–64 years
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Lower UTI symptoms in women aged 16–64 — including a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate more often, and lower abdominal discomfort. This service is for uncomplicated cases; pregnant women and those with more complex symptoms will be referred appropriately.
Scope of the Service
What's included & what's not
Pharmacy First is a focused clinical service with clear boundaries. Knowing what's in scope (and what isn't) helps you choose the right care quickly.
What's included
- Clinical assessment by a qualified registered pharmacist
- Consultation in a private room — confidential and unhurried
- Self-care advice tailored to your symptoms
- Over-the-counter treatment recommendations where appropriate
- Prescribed medication when clinically indicated and within the service protocol
- Referral to your GP, NHS 111, or another care setting if your condition is beyond the scope of the service
- Recording of the consultation outcome with your GP practice
What's not included
- Conditions outside the seven listed above
- Children below the minimum age for each specific condition
- Severe or complicated symptoms requiring GP or hospital assessment
- Repeat consultations for the same episode — please discuss with your GP if symptoms persist
- Treatment for pregnant women presenting with UTI symptoms (we will refer you to your GP)
- Diagnosis of conditions that require investigations beyond a clinical consultation
- Issuing routine repeat prescriptions
If you have severe symptoms, please don't wait. Call 999 in an emergency or NHS 111 if you need urgent help. Examples of symptoms that need immediate care include high fever with confusion, severe difficulty breathing, a rash that doesn't fade under pressure, or severe pain.
Your Visit
What to expect when you visit
Most Pharmacy First consultations are completed within 15–20 minutes from start to finish. Here's how it works.
Arrive & check in
Walk in or call ahead. Our team will let the pharmacist know you're here and offer you a seat in our waiting area.
Private consultation
Your pharmacist will see you in our consultation room. You'll talk through your symptoms, medical history, and any medication you're already taking.
Clinical assessment
The pharmacist will examine your symptoms and use NHS-approved clinical pathways to assess what's happening and what the safest next step is.
Treatment & aftercare
You'll receive a clear plan — including any medication, self-care advice, or onward referral — and a note of the outcome is shared with your GP.
Getting Started
How to access the service
You don't need a referral or appointment — but there are several ways to get in touch.
Walk in
Visit us at 62 Haslingden Road, Blackburn — no appointment needed during our opening hours.
Call us
01254 660473 — check availability or get advice before you head over.
NHS 111 referral
If you contact NHS 111, you may be referred to a community pharmacy. Curo Pharmacy is a participating provider.
Get in Touch
Ask us about Pharmacy First
Have a question before you visit? Send us a message and a member of our team will respond within one working day.
Message sent
Thank you. A member of our team will respond within one working day.
Frequently Asked
Pharmacy First FAQs
Is the NHS Pharmacy First service free?
Yes — the consultation itself is free on the NHS. If your pharmacist provides prescribed medication as part of the service, standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you are exempt.
Do I need to book an appointment?
No appointment is needed. You can walk into Curo Pharmacy during opening hours. We'd recommend phoning ahead on 01254 660473 if you'd like to check availability or have any mobility needs.
Will the pharmacist always provide medication?
Not always. Your pharmacist will carry out a clinical assessment and decide on the most appropriate next step. Depending on what they find, that might be self-care advice, an over-the-counter recommendation, a prescription where clinically appropriate, or referral to your GP or another service.
What if my condition is outside the seven listed?
If your symptoms are beyond the scope of Pharmacy First, our pharmacist will refer you to your GP, NHS 111, or another suitable service — and explain clearly what to do next. You'll never be left without a plan.
Is my consultation kept confidential?
Yes. Every consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and your information is handled in accordance with NHS confidentiality standards and our Privacy Policy. With your consent, the outcome is shared with your GP practice so your medical record stays up to date.
Can I bring my child?
Yes — several of the Pharmacy First conditions are specifically for children (earache for 1–17 year-olds, impetigo and infected insect bites for 1 year and over, sore throat for 5 and over). A parent or guardian should accompany the child.
Do you share my consultation with my GP?
Yes — with your consent, a summary of the consultation outcome is sent to your registered GP practice so your medical record reflects the care you received. This helps your wider clinical team stay informed.
You Might Also Need
Related NHS services
Need to see a pharmacist today?
Walk in during opening hours — no appointment necessary. Or give us a quick call and we'll make sure someone's ready for you.