Urinary tract infection (UTI): NHS Pharmacy First
If you’re a woman aged 16 to 64 and think you have a urine infection, a pharmacist can assess you through the NHS Pharmacy First service. You can visit our Bury pharmacy or book a video consultation.
The consultation is free. If you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies to any medicine supplied.
Who can use this service
You can use Pharmacy First for a UTI if you are a woman aged 16 to 64 and have symptoms of a bladder infection (a lower urinary tract infection).
The pharmacist will refer you to your GP or another service instead if, for example, you:
- are pregnant
- are a man, under 16, or aged 65 or over
- have had 2 UTIs in the last 6 months, or 3 in the last 12 months
- have a urinary catheter
- have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- have taken antibiotics for a UTI in the last 3 months
- have pain in your back or side under the ribs, a high temperature, or feel shivery or sick (signs the infection may have reached your kidneys)
Symptoms of a UTI
- pain or a burning feeling when you pee
- needing to pee more often than usual, or suddenly
- cloudy pee, or blood in your pee
- pain low down in your tummy
- feeling tired and unwell
What happens in the consultation
The pharmacist asks about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them and your general health. Depending on what they find, they may:
- give you self-care advice
- supply a course of antibiotics, where clinically appropriate
- refer you to your GP or another service if you need further help
We tell your GP about your consultation on the same day or the next working day. If waiting for the post isn’t safe for you, we arrange for you to collect your medicine from us or from a pharmacy near you.
Things you can do to help
- take paracetamol for pain
- drink plenty of water so you pee regularly during the day
- avoid sex until you feel better
Cystitis sachets and cranberry products have not been shown to help once an infection has started.
To lower the chance of another UTI: pee as soon as you need to, wipe from front to back, pee after sex, and keep the area clean and dry.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 if you feel confused or drowsy, or have difficulty speaking.
Get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you have pain in your back or side under the ribs, a high temperature, are shivering, feel or are sick, have blood in your pee, or your symptoms haven’t improved within 48 hours of starting treatment. These can be signs of a kidney infection, which can lead to sepsis.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get a UTI?
How do I know if I have a UTI?
How long does a UTI last?
What causes UTIs in women?
Can I see a pharmacist about a UTI by video?
Can men use Pharmacy First for a UTI?
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 consultationNHS Pharmacy First at Bury Healthcare Pharmacy
Other conditions: Sore throat · Sinusitis · Impetigo · Shingles · Infected insect bite · Ear infection
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.