NHS service

NHS Pharmacy First in Bury, or by video

Get NHS advice and, if you need it, treatment for seven common conditions from a pharmacist, without waiting for a GP appointment. You can visit us at 46 Walmersley Road in Bury, or have a video consultation from anywhere in England.

The consultation is free. If you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies to any medicine supplied.

Book a free NHS video consultationCall 0161 222 1024Visit us
Hassan Khan MPharm, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2067135)
Bury Healthcare Pharmacy · GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145 · Reviewed October 2026

Conditions we can help with

ConditionWho can use itHow
Urinary tract infection (UTI)Women aged 16 to 64In branch or by video
Sore throatAged 5 and overIn branch, or by video if 16 or over
SinusitisAged 12 and overIn branch, or by video if 16 or over
ImpetigoAged 1 and overIn branch, or by video if 16 or over
ShinglesAged 18 and overIn branch or by video
Infected insect biteAged 1 and overIn branch, or by video if 16 or over
Ear infectionAged 1 to 17In branch only

How it works

1

Book or walk in

Book a video consultation online, call us, or come into the pharmacy. You don’t need a GP referral.

2

Talk to a pharmacist

We ask about your symptoms and health, and check whether the service is right for you.

3

Get advice or treatment

If you need a medicine, you can collect it or we post it to you. We tell your GP about your consultation.

Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics?

Yes, for some conditions. Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can supply some prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics, for the seven conditions above. They follow NHS-approved protocols and only supply a medicine where it is clinically appropriate. Many sore throats, sinus infections and other common illnesses get better without antibiotics, so the pharmacist may recommend self-care or a different treatment instead.

Video consultations

Video consultations are for people aged 16 or over who live in England. We text you a secure video link; you don’t need to download an app. A pharmacist at our Bury pharmacy runs every call.

  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm.
  • Getting your medicine: collect it from us, or we post it by Tracked 24, sent the same day if you book before 4pm, Monday to Friday. If waiting for the post isn’t safe for your condition, we direct you to a pharmacy near you.
  • Ear infections need an in-person check, so they can’t be done by video.

What it costs

The consultation is free. If you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies to any medicine supplied. If you don’t normally pay for prescriptions, you pay nothing. If you need regular medicines, a prescription prepayment certificate may save you money.

When Pharmacy First isn’t right

  • Call 999 if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or sepsis, or you feel very unwell.
  • Call NHS 111 or use 111 online if you need urgent help and aren’t sure where to go.
  • Contact your GP for long-term conditions, symptoms that keep coming back, or anything not on the list above.

Other NHS services at Bury Healthcare Pharmacy

Frequently asked questions

What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that lets pharmacists assess and treat seven common conditions without a GP appointment. If you need a prescription-only medicine, the pharmacist can supply it where it is clinically appropriate.
Is Pharmacy First free?
The consultation is free. If you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies to any medicine supplied.
Do I need an appointment?
You can walk into the pharmacy during opening hours. For a video consultation, book online and we text you a link.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can contact us directly for any of the seven conditions. GP practices and NHS 111 can also refer you.
Can I have a video consultation?
Yes, if you are 16 or over and live in England. Ear infections need an in-person check, so they are seen in the pharmacy only.
Will my GP know about my consultation?
Yes. We tell your GP practice about your consultation on the same day or the next working day.
Can Pharmacy First treat chest infections or thrush?
No. They are not part of Pharmacy First. A pharmacist can advise on thrush treatments you can buy, and you should contact your GP or NHS 111 about a suspected chest infection.
Do all pharmacies offer Pharmacy First?
Most pharmacies in England offer it, but not all offer video consultations. We offer both in our Bury pharmacy and by video.
How can a pharmacist supply a prescription-only medicine?
Pharmacists follow an NHS protocol called a patient group direction. It sets out exactly who can be supplied which medicine, so a pharmacist can supply some prescription-only medicines for these conditions without a GP prescription.
Can Pharmacy First help with tonsillitis?
Yes. Tonsillitis is covered under the sore throat part of the service, for people aged 5 and over.
Can I still see my GP?
Yes. Pharmacy First is an extra option, not a replacement for your GP. If the pharmacist thinks you need to see a GP, they will tell you.
NHS Pharmacy First

Speak to a pharmacist

Book a free NHS video consultation, call us on 0161 222 1024, or visit us at 46 Walmersley Road, Bury BL9 6DP. Video consultations: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm. Pharmacy opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm.

Book a free NHS video consultation

This page is general information about an NHS service and does not replace advice from your GP. Sources: NHS website condition and contraception pages; NHS England Pharmacy First and Pharmacy Contraception Service specifications.