Pharmacy First: Get Help at Your Local Pharmacy

Pharmacy First lets you get prescription medicines and health advice for many common conditions straight from your local pharmacy, so you don’t need to see a GP first.

The service is available in all pharmacies across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, making it quicker and easier to get the care you need.  Pharmacists and their teams are trained health professionals. They can give you safe advice and treatment for many everyday illnesses.

Medicines prescribed by your pharmacist will cost the same, standard prescription price as medicines prescribed by your GP.  If you do not pay for prescriptions from your GP, you won’t pay for prescriptions through Pharmacy First either.

What Pharmacy First Covers

You can get help for these conditions:

• Sinusitis (12 years and over)
• Sore throat (5 years and over)
• Earache (1-17 years)
• Infected insect bites (1 year and over)
• Impetigo (1 year and over)
• Shingles (18 years and over)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (16-64 years)

Sometimes your age or medical history may affect whether you can use the service. The pharmacy team will guide you to the right care.

Other Support Available

• With a referral from your GP, you can get urgent repeat medicines and advice for other minor illnesses at your pharmacy, too.
• Pharmacies can also provide the contraceptive pill without a prescription. A consultation will take place first to decide the best option for you.
• Free blood pressure checks are available to help spot and treat high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

To find your nearest pharmacy, visit: Find a pharmacy – NHS

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances the Worthen site will be closing at 1pm today , Wednesday 21st January. Pontesbury remains open as normal.

Unfortunately due to the weather we are unable to open the Worthen Site today. . Pontesbury is open as normal however, we do have staff unable to get to work due to the snow, we will be in contact with you if we need to rearrange your appointment. Please only contact / attend the surgery if urgently necessary. We thank you for your patience and understanding. Please stay safe.

Please note as of 1st Jan 2026 we no longer accept prescription requests over the phone – this is for safety reasons including,

– Medication errors
– Misunderstandings (drugs, dose, quantity)
– Fraud or inappropriate requests
– Pressure on staff and phone lines

You can make requests by any of the following –

Posting your right hand side prescription slip into the dedicated box at either site.

Emailing the request to pwmp.scripts@nhs.net

Download the NHS app

Or

If you want to leave your Right Hand side slip with us when you collect your bagged medication please tick the items you require and hand to the receptionist at Worthen or in the Dispensary and we will inform you of your next collection which will be in 28 days.

Please use the link below for more information

https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-02-2026

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

25/12/2025 Christmas Day – Closed

26/12/2025 Boxing Day – Closed

29/01/2025 Usual Opening Times

30/01/2025 Usual Opening Times

31/01/2025 Usual Opening Times

01/01/2026 New Years Day – Closed

02/01/2026 Usual Opening Times

If you need medical help out of surgery hours please call 999 in an emergency or 111 in a non-emergency if your medical need cannot wait until the practice is open.

Local Pharmacies open during the festive period can be found in the link below

https://www.shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/Pharmacy-Bank-Holiday-Opening-Times-Christmas-Bank-Holidays-2025.pdf

The ‘Think Which Service’ campaign encourages everyone to take simple steps to protect their health, make informed choices about where to seek help, and play their part in easing winter pressures. It forms part of the wider ‘Think’ initiative, which also includes ‘Think Vaccination’.

How everyone can help:

• Get vaccinated – protect yourself and others against flu and COVID-19.
• Practise self-care – keep warm, eat well, stay active, and keep basic medicines at home.
• Choose the right service – self-care, pharmacy, NHS 111, Minor Injury Units, or GP for non-emergencies; A&E or 999 only for life-threatening emergencies.
• Check in on others – particularly older or vulnerable neighbours, friends, or family.

Small choices can make a big difference, helping our communities stay well and supporting the NHS to care for those who need it most.

To find out more, visit: ThinkWhichService.co.uk

On Wednesday 8th October, Pontesbury and Worthen Medical Practice will be closed from 13:00 for countywide staff training. This training helps us maintain the highest standards of care for our patients.

We will be open as normal on Thursday 9th October . If you need medical advice / treatment that cannot wait until the surgery is open again please call NHS 111 or attend a Walk in Centre. In an emergency please dial 999.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to healthcare workers visiting your property. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable. Please help us to provide your healthcare safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way before the clinician arrives. Thank you!

– (currently no service available in Shropshire)

Would you like to learn more about menopause and how to look after yourself through this period of your or a loved one’s life?