• Since launching the scheme in January 2024, Boots has delivered over one million NHS Pharmacy First consultations in England, potentially saving as many GP appointments¹ 
• The most common conditions patients seek treatment and advice for under the service are earache, sinusitis, sore throat, impetigo and insect bites² 

Boots has delivered over one million NHS Pharmacy First service consultations in England since launching the scheme in January 2024, potentially saving as many GP appointments.³ 

Under the scheme, pharmacies in England can offer patients support with urgent medicines supply, minor ailments and access to advice and treatment, including some prescription medicines, for seven common conditions included insect bites, sinusitis, sore throat, earache in children, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women.⁴ 

The leading health, wellness and beauty retailer reveals the most common conditions patients seek treatment and advice for under the service are UTI, sore throat, earache, insect bites and sinusitis.⁵

Alex Roberts, Director of Healthcare Services said, “This marks a significant moment in our commitment to supporting the NHS through the Pharmacy First service in England. Customers are increasingly choosing to come to Boots as their primary destination for health advice and treatment. With no appointments necessary and availability at weekends and evenings, the NHS Pharmacy First service provides accessible and convenient healthcare, offering an alternative to visiting a GP. We’re proud of our pharmacists and healthcare teams for their commitment to this service, supporting their customers and the NHS.” 

The NHS Pharmacy First Service in England is free at the point of access. Patients are charged for any over the counter medicine purchased and those who receive a prescription medicine and are not eligible for free NHS prescriptions will be charged the standard NHS prescription levy for the medicine.  

There is no appointment needed and most Boots stores offer a private consultation room in the pharmacy area for confidential discussions about patients’ health concerns. Boots has around 1,800 stores across the UK and over 80% of the population lives within 10 minutes of a Boots store, most are open at weekends and many after 6pm. 

 

^{1,3 Number of Pharmacy First consultations at Boots in England, 31 January 2024 to 08 August 2025}

^{2, 5 Most popular conditions under the NHS Pharmacy First consultations at Boots in England, 31 January 2024 to 08 August 2025}

^{4 Supply of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment. In most stores in England only. Subject to availability and store opening hours. Charges may apply.}