From this autumn, NHS Pharmacy First in England is adding five new conditions — low-frequency migraines in adults, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) in children, ear infections in adults, mild to moderate acne, and mild skin infections and scabies — on top of the seven conditions pharmacies can already treat without a GP appointment. Here’s what’s changing, and what you can already walk in for today at Rother Care Pharmacy in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- 5 new conditions confirmed by NHS England on 10 September 2026: low-frequency migraines, hay fever in children, ear infections, mild acne, and scabies
- Rollout starts with a few hundred pharmacies this autumn, expanding gradually to thousands nationwide through 2026/27
- 14 million Pharmacy First consultations delivered in England since the scheme launched in 2024
- 7 conditions already treatable today at Rother Care Pharmacy, no GP appointment needed
- Call Rother Care Pharmacy on 01789 297596 or visit our Pharmacy First page to check what’s available
What Is NHS Pharmacy First?
NHS Pharmacy First is a national scheme that lets trained pharmacists assess and treat a set list of common conditions directly — including prescribing medication where needed — without you needing to see a GP first. It launched in England in 2024, and according to NHS figures, it has delivered 14 million consultations since then, including 2 million for sore throats and 1.7 million for urinary tract infections. You can find out more about how it works, and book, on our Pharmacy First page.
The 5 New Conditions Being Added This Autumn
NHS England confirmed on 10 September 2026 that five additional conditions will be added to Pharmacy First this autumn:
- Low-frequency migraines in adults
- Hay fever / allergic rhinitis in children
- Ear infections in adults
- Mild to moderate acne in young people and adults
- Mild skin infections and scabies
The rollout starts with a few hundred pharmacies initially, expanding gradually to thousands of community pharmacies across England through 2026/27. As this becomes available locally, get in touch with our team or call 01789 297596 to check current availability at Rother Care Pharmacy.
The 7 Conditions You Can Already Get Treated For Today
Pharmacy First already covers seven conditions, and you can walk into Rother Care Pharmacy for any of these right now, no GP appointment needed: sore throat, earache, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected insect bites, and uncomplicated UTIs in women. See our Pharmacy First page for the full list and how to book.
Why This Matters
The expansion comes after a very hot summer and some of the busiest months on record for A&E departments in England, with NHS England saying the aim is to make it easier to get treated quickly and close to home.
“For five more common conditions, you’ll be able to walk into your local pharmacy and get treated on the spot.”
— Andy Burnham, Prime Minister
“Thanks to community pharmacy teams, millions of people have received treatment for common conditions quickly and conveniently on their local high streets.”
— Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, NHS England
Not everyone is popping champagne, though — pharmacy bodies have raised funding concerns. Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, welcomed the announcement but urged the government to go further, noting that patients in Scotland can already be treated for 27 conditions at pharmacy, with a third of the population accessing the service last year.
How to Access Pharmacy First
You can be referred to Pharmacy First by NHS 111 or your GP, or simply walk into your local pharmacy directly — no appointment or referral required for the seven conditions already covered. Book an appointment or call 01789 297596.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NHS Pharmacy First free?
Yes — Pharmacy First is an NHS service, so consultations and treatment for the covered conditions are free at the point of use, the same as seeing a GP.
Do I need a GP appointment before using Pharmacy First?
No. You can walk directly into a participating pharmacy, or be referred via NHS 111 or your GP — no GP appointment is required first.
Can I get treated for migraines at a pharmacy?
This is being added as part of the autumn 2026 expansion, for low-frequency migraines in adults. Availability is rolling out gradually across England — call us on 01789 297596 to check current status at Rother Care Pharmacy.
What conditions does Pharmacy First cover right now?
Sore throat, earache, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected insect bites, and uncomplicated UTIs in women — all treatable today at Rother Care Pharmacy without a GP appointment.
- 5 new conditions join Pharmacy First this autumn: migraines, hay fever, ear infections, acne, and scabies
- Rollout starts with a few hundred pharmacies, expanding gradually through 2026/27
- 7 conditions are already treatable today at Rother Care Pharmacy, no GP needed
- Pharmacy First is free at the point of use, same as seeing a GP
- Call 01789 297596 or visit our Pharmacy First page to check availability
Conclusion
The Pharmacy First expansion is good news for anyone who’d rather get treated quickly on the high street than wait for a GP appointment. While the five new conditions roll out gradually over the coming months, the seven original conditions are available at Rother Care Pharmacy right now — so there’s no need to wait to make use of the service.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak to your pharmacist or GP about your individual circumstances. Source: BBC News, NHS England (correct as of the 10 September 2026 announcement — rollout dates and availability subject to change, check with us for the latest). Last updated 20 September 2026.