Skip the wait and get assessed by a trained NHS pharmacist at Cootes Pharmacy. We treat seven common conditions at both our Finchley branches, with no GP referral needed.
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NHS Pharmacy First is a government-funded scheme that allows trained pharmacists to assess, advise, and where appropriate prescribe for seven specific conditions, without the patient needing a GP appointment first.
At Cootes Pharmacy, both the Finchley Central and East Finchley branches offer this service. You can walk in during opening hours or call ahead to arrange a convenient time.
Your consultation is carried out by a qualified pharmacist on the premises. Where relevant, our team will liaise with your registered GP to ensure your care is joined up and clinically sound throughout.
These are the updated October 2025 clinical pathways. Our pharmacist follows a robust NHS-approved clinical pathway for each condition before prescribing.
Acute sinusitis causes facial pain, nasal congestion, and pressure around the eyes or forehead. Most cases are viral and clear without antibiotics. Our pharmacist will assess whether bacterial infection is present and prescribe accordingly where clinically appropriate. Eligible patients are aged 12 and over.
A sore throat can range from a mild viral irritation to bacterial tonsillitis requiring treatment. Our pharmacist carries out a structured clinical assessment, including a FeverPAIN scoring, to determine whether antibiotics are appropriate. Eligible patients are aged 5 and over.
Ear infections in children often cause ear pain, irritability, and temporary hearing difficulties. Our pharmacist will assess the severity of the infection and prescribe antibiotics where clinically indicated. This pathway is available for children and young people aged 1 to 17 years only.
Signs of an infected insect bite include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, and spreading of infection around the bite site. Our pharmacist can assess the area and prescribe antibiotics where infection is confirmed. Eligible patients are aged 1 and over.
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that causes sores or fluid-filled blisters, most commonly around the face, nose, and hands. Our pharmacist can prescribe antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics depending on the extent of the infection. Eligible patients are aged 1 and over.
Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates in the body, causing a painful blistering rash, often on one side of the torso or face. Early antiviral treatment significantly reduces the severity and duration of the episode. Our pharmacist can prescribe antiviral medication where clinically appropriate for patients aged 18 and over.
A UTI typically causes burning when you urinate, a frequent urge to go, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Women aged 16 to under 65 can be prescribed antibiotics at the pharmacy, as long as they don't have a catheter or recurrent UTIs. We follow the current NHS Pharmacy First criteria, including the October 2025 updates.
Call your nearest branch for an appointment, or walk in during opening hours. No referral.
A qualified pharmacist privately reviews your symptoms and history to assess your specific healthcare needs.
Receive prescriptions during your visit if appropriate, or get a prompt referral for further care.
The Pharmacy First consultation itself is completely free for all NHS patients in England. There is no charge to be seen, assessed, or advised by the pharmacist.
If a prescription medication is supplied, standard NHS prescription charges apply unless you are exempt. Exemptions include patients under 16, those over 60, and those with a qualifying medical condition or income-based exemption.
If you pay prescription charges and expect to use the service regularly, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) can significantly reduce your costs by capping what you pay per quarter or per year.
Any NHS patient in England experiencing symptoms of one of the seven covered conditions can self-present at either Cootes Pharmacy branch without a referral. You must fall within the correct age range for your specific condition. No appointment is required, though calling ahead is welcome.
Pharmacy First may not be suitable if your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or outside the seven clinical pathways. Patients with complex medical histories, those outside the eligible age range for their condition, or those who have already been treated without improvement should contact their GP. Our pharmacist will always point you in the right direction.
GP waiting times across London have reached record levels. NHS waiting lists in London rose by 73.8% since the pandemic, and access to same-day appointments remains a significant challenge for many patients.
NHS North Central London ICB is actively promoting the “Think Pharmacy First” campaign across Barnet and the surrounding area, encouraging patients to visit their local pharmacy as a first step for the seven treatable conditions.
Cootes Pharmacy offers Finchley residents a practical, accessible alternative for those conditions, at both branches, without the wait.
We know our patients by name. That is what makes our independent pharmacy different.
If your condition does not fall under the seven Pharmacy First pathways, you are still welcome to speak to a Cootes pharmacist. Our team can recommend over-the-counter treatments, provide general health advice, and support you with common ailments during opening hours at either branch.
This includes conditions such as hay fever, headaches, cold and flu, indigestion, minor skin rashes, and athlete’s foot. No appointment is needed and no referral is required. Just come in and speak to us.
Cootes pharmacists only prescribe antibiotics when the NHS clinical pathway supports it. Antibiotics are not offered as a default, and each prescribing decision is based on clinical assessment, not patient preference.
Nationally, 88% of antibiotics supplied through the Pharmacy First scheme are first-line antibiotics, in line with NHS antimicrobial stewardship guidelines. This reflects responsible, evidence-based practice. Pharmacy First is designed to treat infections appropriately, not to increase antibiotic use.
110-112 Ballards Lane, Finchley Central , London, Greater London, N3 2DN
020 8346 0051
Coming prepared helps your pharmacist assess you quickly and accurately. Before your visit, make a note of the following:
Your symptoms and how long you have had them
Any current medications you are taking
Any known allergies
Your NHS number, if you have it to hand
Details of any home treatments you have already tried
GP referral information, if you were referred
Our East Finchley branch has served the community since 1984, building deep roots in North London healthcare.
Both our Finchley Central and East Finchley branches adhere to strict NHS and GPhC professional standards.
Superintendent Pharmacist Kamal Patel leads our team with over 15 years of multi-sector pharmacy experience.
Visit us on Ballards Lane or the High Road for Pharmacy First services, Monday to Saturday.
No appointment is needed—simply walk in or call ahead to book a specific consultation time.
We coordinate directly with your GP to ensure your medical records remain accurate and your treatment is seamless.
Yes. The service is available to any NHS patient in England, regardless of where their GP is located.
Yes. Eligibility starts at age 1 for earache, insect bites, and impetigo, and age 5 for sore throats. The pharmacist will confirm eligibility during the visit.
No. Antibiotics are only prescribed if clinically indicated. Many infections are viral; in these cases, the pharmacist may recommend self-care instead.
If your condition falls outside the Pharmacy First scope or requires urgent care, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP or NHS 111.
Yes. The pharmacist will check for drug interactions during your consultation. Please bring a list of your current medications.
No GP appointment needed. No referral required. Walk in to either Cootes Pharmacy branch and speak to a pharmacist directly about your symptoms today.
