Pharmacy services

What is the Self-Care Medicines Scheme?

Community pharmacies taking part in the new North Central London Self-Care Medicines Scheme can provide eligible patients with selected free medicines for common minor ailments like allergies, earache or minor injuries.

Early treatment for minor conditions can help people get better quickly and avoid a visit to the GP.

A full list of the type of conditions covered by the scheme is available in this Self care medicines scheme guide for patients.

Who is eligible for the Self-Care Medicines Scheme?

If your GP or healthcare professional thinks you or your child might be eligible to receive free over-the-counter medication, they can tell you about the scheme. You can also ask about it at your local community pharmacy, who will be able to check that you meet the criteria and are registered with a North Central London GP practice.

To obtain medicines under the scheme you will need to provide ID and evidence of your eligibility e.g. a Universal Credit or Income Support letter.

Please note that being exempt from prescription charges does not mean you automatically qualify for the Self-Care Medicines Scheme.

Speak to your local community pharmacy to see if they are participating in this scheme and whether you qualify to receive selected free medicines. You can find participating pharmacies in North Central London is available in this list of NCL Pharmacies offering SCMS (updated Apr 2025).

You can also view eligibility criteria in the Self care medicines scheme – a guide for patients.

How to access the Self-Care Medicines Scheme

To access the Self-Care Medicines Scheme, simply visit a participating pharmacy. You can find pharmacies offering this service in North Central London in the resources section below. A trained pharmacist will talk to you about your symptoms, give advice, and recommend suitable over-the-counter treatments. If you’re eligible this will be free of charge. If needed, they may also refer you to a healthcare professional for further support.

What is the Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service?

This free service allows adults, aged 40 or over, to have their blood pressure checked at participating local pharmacies. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. Checking your blood pressure can help detect issues early, so you can take steps to stay healthy.

Who is eligible for the Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service?

You can have a free check if you:

• Are aged 40 or over
• Live in England

You are not eligible if you:

• Already have high blood pressure
• Have had your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the past 6 months

How do I access the Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service?

To get your blood pressure checked, simply visit a pharmacy that offers the service—you can find one near you using the NHS BP check service finder. You can also find participating pharmacies in North Central London in this list of NCL pharmacies offering advance services. Most of the time, you don’t need an appointment. A trained member of the pharmacy team will place a cuff on your upper arm to take a quick and painless reading. After the check, the pharmacist will explain your results. If needed, they may offer lifestyle advice, give you a monitor to use at home, or refer you to your GP. If you’re registered with a GP, your results will also be added to your health record.

Blood pressure checks are important for maintaining good health. Visit your local participating pharmacy today for a free check.

What is the Pharmacy Contraception Service?

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service allows you to obtain the contraceptive pill directly from participating pharmacies without needing a prescription from a doctor or nurse. This service offers a convenient and confidential way to start or continue using oral contraception.

Who is eligible for the Pharmacy Contraception Service?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are starting the contraceptive pill for the first time
• Are restarting the pill after a break
• Need a repeat supply of your current contraceptive pill

This service is available to individuals from when they start having periods to age 49 for the combined pill, and 54 for the progestogen-only pill.

The Pharmacy Contraception Service offers contraception to those under 16 and will make sure the young person’s well-being is prioritized and that they can make informed decisions. The service is available to anyone seeking contraception without a prescription, as long as the pharmacy has the capacity to provide care and follows the necessary guidelines.

How do I access the Pharmacy Contraception Service?

To access the service simply visit a participating pharmacy offering this service. Most of the time, you don’t need an appointment. You can find one near you using the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service finder. You can also find participating pharmacies in North Central London in this list of NCL pharmacies offering advance services.

At the pharmacy, you will have a private consultation with a pharmacist who will ask about your health and may check your height, weight, and blood pressure. They will discuss how to take the pill, possible side effects, and can refer you to a GP or sexual health clinic if needed. With your permission your GP will be updated about your visit to keep your medical records up to date.

The pharmacist will offer you the pill most suitable for you.

This service is free of charge and aims to make accessing contraception more convenient. For more information or to find a participating pharmacy, visit the NHS website.

What is the Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is a free NHS service in England that lets you get advice and treatment for common illnesses directly from your local pharmacy without needing to see your GP. It’s a quick and easy way to get help for common minor health problems.

Pharmacists can give you expert advice, and if needed, treatment for the following conditions:

If the pharmacist feels you need further care, they’ll let you know and refer you to the right place. The advice is free. If you’re given medicine, NHS charges may apply – unless you’re normally exempt from paying for prescriptions.

View this video on Pharmacy First.

Who is eligible for Pharmacy First?

The Pharmacy First service is available to anyone living in England. You can visit a participating pharmacy without an appointment. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice or treatment.

The service covers the following conditions and age ranges:

If you’re unsure whether your condition is covered, you can visit a participating pharmacy, and the pharmacist will guide you.

How do I access Pharmacy First?

You can walk into a pharmacy that offers the Pharmacy First service – no appointment needed. Your GP practice may also refer you into this service if they think you could be seen sooner for your condition at the pharmacy. A trained pharmacist will see you in a private consultation room to talk about your symptoms and ask a few questions about your health. If they can treat your condition, they may offer you medication on the NHS. If your condition needs further care, they’ll help you get the right support. If you’re registered with a GP, your results will also be added to your health record.

You can also find participating pharmacies in North Central London in this list of NCL pharmacies offering advance services.