The seven Pharmacy First pathways
The NHS pharmacy guide lists these assessment pathways:
- Impetigo and infected insect bites: age 1 and over.
- Earache: ages 1–17.
- Sore throat: age 5 and over.
- Sinusitis: age 12 and over.
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection: women ages 16–64.
- Shingles: age 18 and over.
A pharmacist assesses the concern and may provide advice, appropriate treatment or referral. Prescription medicine is not automatic.
Call before travelling to the pharmacy
Letter Box Pharmacy lists Pharmacy First within its NHS and private service directory. Call 020 7377 0727 to check current availability and explain the age of the person needing help and their symptoms.
The registered pharmacy address is 4 Brick Lane, London E1 6RF. Brick Lane Clinic’s private service appointments use 6 Brick Lane; ask the team which entrance and service you need.
If you are asking on behalf of someone else, make that clear when calling. Ask who should attend, whether an appointment is needed and what information to bring. This helps avoid travelling for the wrong service.
Prepare the details that help an assessment
Say when the symptoms began, what has changed and what you have tried already. Have your medicine list and known allergies available, and mention advice from another clinician. Ask what information the pharmacist needs before your visit.
If you are unsure whether the concern fits Pharmacy First, describe it rather than choosing a condition name yourself. The team can explain the appropriate route and any further assessment needed.
Pharmacy advice and private clinic care are different routes
A Pharmacy First enquiry is separate from a Pharmacillin aesthetics appointment or an HLC hair-system fitting. Choosing the right service helps the team arrange the relevant support and explain eligibility or charges.
For medicines and everyday pharmacy care, contact Letter Box Pharmacy. For planned skin, hair-loss or aesthetic concerns, explore Brick Lane Clinic’s three service partners. You can ask the same team where to begin without committing to a private treatment.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked 6 October 2026.
This guide provides general information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Your next step depends on an appropriate assessment.
Speak to Letter Box Pharmacy
Speak to the team about the right appointment, current fees and availability.
Letter Box Pharmacy · 4 Brick Lane, London E1 6RF