Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment – NHS Pharmacy First

Fast NHS assessment for UTIs without needing a GP appointment

If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), you may not need to wait for a GP appointment.
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, trained pharmacists can assess symptoms and provide treatment
for uncomplicated UTIs in eligible women.

This NHS service is designed to help you access care quickly, reduce discomfort,
and avoid unnecessary delays or time off work.

Who can use Pharmacy First for UTIs?

The NHS Pharmacy First UTI service is available for:

• Women aged 16 to 64 years
• Symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection
• Non-pregnant patients

Your pharmacist will confirm eligibility during your consultation and follow NHS clinical guidance.

Common UTI symptoms

You may be suitable for a Pharmacy First consultation if you experience:

• A burning or stinging sensation when passing urine
• Needing to pass urine more often or more urgently
• Passing small amounts of urine
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Why early assessment matters

UTI symptoms can worsen quickly if left untreated. While many infections are uncomplicated,
delaying assessment can increase discomfort and the risk of the infection spreading.

Prompt assessment and treatment help reduce the chance of:

• Increasing pain and burning when passing urine
• The infection spreading to the kidneys, which may require hospital treatment
• Ongoing disruption to work, sleep, and daily activities
• Needing more complex treatment later on

Accessing NHS Pharmacy First early allows symptoms to be reviewed quickly
and appropriate treatment started where suitable.

Hydration and recovery

Staying well hydrated is an important part of recovering from a urinary tract infection.
Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and may irritate the bladder, which can worsen symptoms.

Your pharmacist will provide clear advice on fluid intake and self-care measures
to support recovery.

What can the pharmacist do?

During your Pharmacy First consultation, the pharmacist will:

• Ask NHS-approved clinical questions about your symptoms
• Assess whether your infection is suitable for pharmacy treatment
• Provide self-care and hydration advice
• Supply NHS treatment where clinically appropriate
• Refer you to a GP or urgent care if red-flag symptoms are identified

Antibiotics are only supplied when appropriate and in line with national NHS guidance.

Pharmacy First UTI treatment near you

This NHS Pharmacy First service is available at the following local pharmacies:

• Holden’s Chemist Scawsby
  Unit 4, Barnsley Road, Doncaster, DN5 8QE
• Holden’s Chemist Bentley
  81 High Street, Bentley, Doncaster, DN5 0AP
• Holden’s Chemist Newark
  77B Eton Avenue, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 4JH
• Sherwood Avenue Pharmacy
  47 Sherwood Avenue, Newark, NG24 1QH

All locations provide private consultation rooms and trained NHS pharmacy teams.

When Pharmacy First is not suitable

Pharmacy First may not be appropriate if you:

• Are pregnant
• Are outside the eligible age range
• Have symptoms such as fever, flank pain, or feeling seriously unwell
• Have recurrent or complicated UTIs

In these cases, your pharmacist will advise you to seek GP or urgent medical care.

If you think you may have a UTI, visit your local NHS pharmacy for a Pharmacy First assessment.

More NHS services:
Pharmacy First (NHS)