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Walk in for free NHS treatment of 7 common conditions — no GP appointment needed.
If you live or work in Sale, NHS Pharmacy First means you can come straight to Coppice Pharmacy for a number of common conditions, instead of waiting for a GP appointment. Our trained pharmacist can assess you in a private consultation room and, where it's clinically appropriate, provide NHS-funded treatment on the spot — including prescription-only medicines for some conditions, at no charge to you.
You don't need to book in advance — you can simply walk in during our opening hours and ask at the counter. If your pharmacist checks your GP record (with your consent) and decides your symptoms need a doctor's attention instead, they'll refer you on and let your GP surgery know, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Each condition has its own age range and safety criteria, set by the NHS. Here's a quick guide:
Age 12 and over. Severe, recurrent sinusitis or sinusitis with facial swelling is referred to a GP.
Age 5 and over. Suspected glandular fever or quinsy (a throat abscess) is referred to a GP.
Ages 1–17. Babies under 1 and adults are outside this pathway and are referred elsewhere.
Age 1 and over. Spreading cellulitis or signs of a severe reaction need urgent GP or A&E assessment.
Age 1 and over. Widespread or recurrent impetigo is referred to a GP for further assessment.
Age 18 and over. Best treated within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Shingles affecting the eye is referred to A&E.
Women aged 16–64. Men, pregnant women, and anyone with a fever or signs of a kidney infection are referred to a GP.
Because Pharmacy First follows strict NHS clinical guidelines, some patients are safely referred to their GP or urgent care instead — for example, if you're outside the age range for a condition, or your symptoms need more specialist assessment. That's not a decline of care, it's your pharmacist making sure you get the right treatment quickly.
Not sure if Pharmacy First is right for you? Call us on 0161 973 3552 or just pop in and ask.
No appointment, referral or GP registration is required — simply walk into the pharmacy during our opening hours and ask a member of our team for a Pharmacy First consultation. You'll be seen privately by our pharmacist, who will ask about your symptoms and, with your consent, check your GP record to make sure any treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
You can also be referred to us for Pharmacy First by NHS 111 or by your GP practice, in which case we'll already have some of your details ready when you arrive.