Can’t Get a GP Appointment? – Here’s How We Can Help

If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of appointments available at your GP’s surgery, you’re not alone. According to newspaper reports many people are waiting between a week and a month to be seen in some areas.

If you can’t get an appointment quickly and you want to see the doctor about a common health concern then you can use VSM Pharmacy’s Pharmacy First Service, without needing to see your GP first.

What is the Pharmacy First Service?

The Pharmacy First Service is designed to make it easier for people to access healthcare from their local pharmacy, rather than having to wait for a GP appointment. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can assess symptoms, provide prescription medication and offer advice about a wide range of common medical conditions.

What Conditions Come Under The Pharmacy First Service?

Here at VSM Pharmacy we can help with several common conditions which are free under the NHS, and they include:

• Sinusitis – Adults and children aged 12 and over
• Earache – Babies from 1 year, children and young adults up to the age of 17
• Sore Throat – Babies over the age of 1 year, children and adults
• Impetigo – Babies over the age of 1, children and adults
• Shingles – Adults aged 18 years and over
• Urinary Tract Infection – Women aged 16 to 64 years
• Infected Insect Bite – Babies over 1 year, children and adults

If you need a prescription medicine, the pharmacy can issue this, but charges will apply unless you are exempt from prescription charges.

Does the Pharmacy Treat Other Conditions?

Yes. We also offer private services which include:

• Ear wax removal – Between £45.00 and £69.99 (consultation without treatment £15.00)
• Ear infection diagnosis and treatment 19,90 excluding treatment costs
• Allergy testing – £139 including follow up appointment and test result assessment

Are There Any Other Services VSM Pharmacy Offer?

Yes. We also offer:

• Free NHS flu jabs for people with a high risk of becoming ill from flu
• Private flu jabs for people who aren’t eligible for NHS vaccination – Cost £24.99
• Free Blood pressure testing
• Free Chlamydia screening and treatment
• Erectile Dysfunction tablets available to buy online and sent discreetly by post
• Morning After pill available online and delivered discreetly by post

Cryotherapy

And that’s not all. You can also come to use if you want to remove skin tags, verruca’s, warts or other skin lesions. Our cryotherapy service is fast and painless. The initial consultation is free and then one skin lesion removal costs £69.99 and any additional lesions are charged at £29.99. If you need follow-up treatment the cost is £29.99.  

Weight Loss Clinic

If you’d prefer to have your weight loss injections under medical supervision, then join our weight loss programme.  We assess which treatment will suit you best, give you tips on weight management and exercise. We’ll also show you how to use your medication safely and effectively. We offer Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda injections or Xenical tablets to help you achieve your weight loss goal.

Travel Vaccination Clinic

We offer immunisations against a large number of common viruses and bacteria including:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Dengue Fever
• Rabies

We also have vaccines to protect you and your family from:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Covid-19
• Meningitis ACWY
• Tetanus
• Polio

Vaccinations start from £39.99, and you can book your appointment online. Your whole family can come along at the same time for your vaccinations; you only need to book one appointment and then let us know how many people will be attending.

The Benefits of Using VSM Pharmacy

Using the pharmacy means you don’t have a long wait to get treatment for a common health concern. We’re highly qualified health professionals so we’re able to give you expert help and advice and we’re part of your local community.