What Happens During a Pharmacy First Consultation?

If you've heard about Pharmacy First but never used the service, you might wonder what happens when you walk in. Will you be seen privately? How long will it take? What will the pharmacist ask you?

The good news is that Pharmacy First consultations are designed to be quick, confidential, and straightforward — and free for most people. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect when you come to Kingfisher Pharmacy in Wakefield.

Before You Arrive

You don't need to do anything special to prepare for a Pharmacy First consultation. There's no booking required, no referral letter, and no registration in advance. Simply walk into the pharmacy and let the team know you'd like to see the pharmacist.

That said, it helps to come ready with:

• A clear description of your symptoms — when they started, what they feel like, and what makes them better or worse
• A list of medicines you're currently taking (or a rough idea if you're unsure)
• Your NHS number, if you have it to hand (though it's not essential)
• Your ID, if you have it — this helps us pull up your NHS records faster

If you're coming for a condition affecting a child, our parent's guide to Pharmacy First has helpful tips on preparing your child for the appointment.

When You Arrive: Registration and Waiting

When you walk into Kingfisher Pharmacy, approach the counter and let the team know you'd like to see the pharmacist. You might say: "I think I have a sore throat — can I use Pharmacy First?" or simply "Can I see the pharmacist?"

The team will check whether your symptoms fit the Pharmacy First criteria and let the pharmacist know you're waiting. Depending on how busy we are, you'll usually be seen within 5–15 minutes.

This is already faster than many alternatives. Pharmacy First is faster than waiting for a GP appointment — most Wakefield GPs have waiting lists of several weeks for routine appointments, while we can often fit you in the same day.

You'll be seen in our private consultation room — a separate, enclosed space where your conversation is completely private. No one at the counter can see or hear you. This matters. If you're worried about a personal symptom or feel embarrassed, you can speak openly without feeling watched.

In the Consultation Room: Questions and Examination

Once you're in the consultation room, the pharmacist will ask you a series of questions. These aren't random — they follow clinical guidelines designed to assess your condition safely and accurately.

You can expect questions like:

• What exactly are your symptoms, and where do you feel them?
• When did this start?
• Have you tried anything already — over-the-counter medicines, rest, anything that helped or made it worse?
• Do you have any ongoing health conditions we should know about?
• What medicines do you take regularly?
• Are you allergic to any medicines?
• Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant? (if relevant)

The pharmacist may also ask condition-specific questions. For example, if you come in with a rash, they might ask about its location, how it feels, and whether it's getting worse. If it's an earache, they might ask whether it's in one ear or both.

Physical examination. Depending on your condition, the pharmacist may need to examine the affected area — looking at a rash, checking your throat, or examining an insect bite or ear. All of this happens in the consultation room. The pharmacist will explain what they need to do and ask your permission before they examine anything. You're always in control.

The Pharmacist's Assessment

Based on your symptoms, history, and any examination, the pharmacist will give you one of three outcomes:

You Can Be Treated Under Pharmacy First

If your condition meets the Pharmacy First criteria and is suitable for treatment, the pharmacist will explain their recommendation and give you the medication you need. They'll tell you how to take it, what to expect, and what to do if your symptoms don't improve.

Cost: Medicines supplied under Pharmacy First are free for patients exempt from prescription charges — under-16s, over-60s, pregnant women, recent mothers, and people on certain benefits. Others pay the standard NHS prescription charge for the medicine itself, but not for the pharmacist's time.

Self-Care Is the Best Option

Sometimes the pharmacist will decide you don't need medication but can manage your condition with self-care — rest, fluids, or simple over-the-counter products you can buy yourself.

They'll explain what to do and when to come back or contact your GP if things aren't improving.

You Need a Referral

If your condition is too serious for Pharmacy First or doesn't fit the criteria, the pharmacist will refer you to the right place. This might be your GP, an urgent treatment centre (a faster option than A&E for non-emergency issues), or — in rare cases — A&E. They'll explain why the referral is being made and what to do next.

If you're unsure about when to use Pharmacy First versus A&E, the pharmacist can advise when you visit.

After Your Appointment

The entire process — from walking in to leaving with treatment or advice — usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on the condition and how busy we are.

When you leave, you might have medication in hand, or you might leave with clear advice about what to do next. The pharmacist will record your visit on the NHS system, which means your GP practice will receive a summary. This keeps everyone — you, us, and your GP — in the loop.

If you have questions after you leave, you can always call us (01924 291898) or pop back in. We're here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in? You can absolutely just walk in. Pharmacy First is designed for walk-ins — no booking required. If you want to call ahead (01924 291898) to check how busy we are, that's fine, but it's not necessary.

Is the consultation really free? The consultation is always free. Medicines supplied under Pharmacy First are free for patients exempt from prescription charges (under-16s, over-60s, pregnant women, recent mothers, and people on certain benefits). If you're not exempt, you'll pay the standard NHS prescription charge for the medicine, but not for the pharmacist's time.

Can I bring someone with me? Yes — you're welcome to bring a friend, family member, or carer into the consultation room if you'd like support.

What if my symptoms don't match Pharmacy First? The pharmacist will still help. They might suggest over-the-counter products, give you advice, or refer you to your GP or another service. Coming to see us is never a waste of time.

How is Pharmacy First different from my GP? Pharmacy First is faster than waiting for a GP appointment — most Wakefield GPs have waiting lists of several weeks for routine appointments, while we can often see you the same day. The pharmacist handles common conditions that your GP would typically manage, and they can refer you onward if needed. Your GP remains your main doctor, and we work alongside them.

What if I'm not sure whether to use Pharmacy First or go to A&E? Our Pharmacy First vs A&E guide explains when each service is best. Very roughly: Pharmacy First is for minor conditions that have been going on for several days or longer; A&E is for sudden, severe, or life-threatening issues. When in doubt, the pharmacist can advise you.

What are the seven conditions Pharmacy First covers? Sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated UTI. For more information about how Pharmacy First treats specific conditions, like earache, check our condition-specific guides. To learn more about the service overall, we have a complete guide for Wakefield residents.

Do I need to be registered with a Wakefield GP? You don't need to be registered with a specific GP to use Pharmacy First, but it helps if we can access your NHS records. If you're not registered or haven't used the NHS recently, just let us know — we can still help.