Common illnesses & Pharmacy First
Sore throats, earache, sinusitis, insect bites, impetigo, shingles and some UTIs can often be dealt with by a pharmacist — no GP appointment needed first.
About Pharmacy FirstHealth advice
Practical advice for everyday health
Clear, trustworthy guidance from your local Gloucester pharmacy team — and easy ways to get the right care when you need it.
Know your blood pressure
High blood pressure rarely has symptoms but raises your risk of serious illness. A free NHS check takes minutes and could make a real difference.
Free blood pressure checksStaying up to date with vaccines
From seasonal flu to travel jabs, keeping vaccinations current protects you and those around you. We'll tell you what's NHS-funded and what's private.
VaccinationsHealthy travel abroad
Planning a trip? Book a travel health assessment four to six weeks ahead so any vaccine courses can be completed in good time.
Travel clinicGetting the most from your medicines
Starting something new or juggling several medicines? Our pharmacists can help with side effects, timings and staying on track.
Medicine supportWomen's health & contraception
You can start or continue routine oral contraception with a pharmacist, and get confidential advice in our private consultation room.
ContraceptionWhen to get urgent help
The information here is general guidance and does not replace personal medical advice. In a medical emergency call 999. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
Good to know
Your questions, answered
When should I see a pharmacist instead of a GP?
For many everyday conditions — coughs and colds, minor aches, skin complaints, and the conditions covered by Pharmacy First — a pharmacist can help quickly, often without an appointment. We'll refer you on if you need a GP or urgent care.
What's the difference between 999 and NHS 111?
Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, signs of a stroke or serious bleeding. Call NHS 111 (or visit 111.nhs.uk) for urgent problems that are not emergencies, when you're not sure what to do.
Is pharmacist advice free?
Yes — you can speak to a pharmacist for free, and no appointment is needed for general medicines and health advice. Some NHS services have eligibility criteria, and certain private services carry a fee, which we'll always confirm first.
Not sure where to start?
Speak to our pharmacist for free during opening hours, or book a service online — we'll point you in the right direction.