Pharmacy Services in Kent & Medway

Local pharmacies are a convenient and accessible part of the NHS, offering expert advice, treatment, and support often without the need for a GP appointment.

Pharmacy First: Get Treatment Without Seeing a GP

Most pharmacies in Kent and Medway now offer the Pharmacy First service. Trained pharmacists can assess and provide prescription medication for the following common conditions:

• Earache (ages 1–17)

• Impetigo (ages 1+)

• Infected insect bites (ages 1+)

• Sinusitis (ages 12+)

• Sore throat (ages 5+)

• Shingles (ages 18+)

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women (ages 18+)

You can walk in without an appointment. Standard NHS prescription charges apply, unless you're exempt.

Additional Services Available at Pharmacies

Pharmacies also provide:

• Emergency contraception

• Emergency supply of prescription medicines

• Free blood pressure checks for eligible individuals:

  • Aged 40 or over without a hypertension diagnosis

  • Aged under 40 with a family history of high blood pressure

  • Aged 35–39 at the pharmacist’s discretion

  • Patients with diagnosed hypertension referred by their GP

• NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service:

  • Ongoing supply and monitoring of oral contraception

  • Initiation of oral contraception for new patients

Pharmacy Opening Times

Pharmacy hours can vary, especially on bank holidays. It's advisable to:

• Check opening times before visiting

• Confirm availability of required medications

For the most up-to-date information, visit Stop Think Choose or click here for the Bank Holiday opening times for pharmacies in this area. 

Reducing Medicines Waste

Help the NHS by:

• Ordering only the medications you need

• Checking your medicine bag before leaving the pharmacy

• Returning unused or out-of-date medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal