Buxted, East Hoathly and Manor Oak Medical Centres

Pharmacy First

Did you know that you can visit any of our local pharmacies and be treated for the below conditions without having to see a GP?

If you contact us with one of these conditions, we may refer you to a local pharmacy in the first instance. 

Clinical pathway Age range
Acute otitis media* 1 to 17 years
Impetigo 1 year and over
Infected insect bites 1 year and over
Shingles 18 years and over
Sinusitis 12 years and over
Sore throat 5 years and over
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections Women 16-64 years

How pharmacies can help - NHS

NHS111 online

NHS 111 online is a free digtal triage service in England designed to assess symptoms when your GP is unavailable or you are unsure where to seek care. It directs patients to the appropriate NHS service, ranging from self-care at home to out-of-hours GPs, pharmacies, or urgent care centres.

How the Service Works

  • Assessment: Answer simple questions about your symptoms on the NHS 111 website or via the NHS App.
  • No Diagnosis: It does not provide a diagnosis, but determines the next best steps for your health.
  • Outcomes: You may be advised to contact your GP surgery, visit an urgent treatment centre, see a pharmacist, or wait for a callback from an NHS nurse.

Core Features for GP Patients

  • Out-of-Hours Care: It serves as the primary route for urgent medical advice when your local GP surgery is closed.
  • Emergency Prescriptions: If you have run out of a regularly prescribed, repeat medication, you can request an emergency supply using the NHS 111 Emergency Prescription service.
  • Dental and Mental Health: It provides direct signposting for emergency dental availability and urgent mental health support.

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NHS advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.

You and your general practice

As of October 1st, 2025, all GP practices in England are required to publish the new patient charter, “You and Your General Practice.” This document, introduced by NHS England, is designed to help you understand what to expect from our practice and how you can work with us to get the best care possible.

The Patient Charter sets out what patients can expect from their GP practices – and what practices ask of patients in return. It aims to build a positive, respectful partnership between patients and healthcare teams.

What you can expect from your GP practice

What GP practices ask of patients
Safe, high-quality care. Arrive on time for your appointment.
Dignity, respect, and compassion at all times. Be prepared with any relevant information to help your clinician.
Support for your individual needs, including reasonable adjustments where required. Cancel appointments early if no longer needed, so others can use the slot.
A commitment to listen to your feedback and take concerns seriously. Treat all practice staff with courtesy and respect.

How to view the charter

You can read the full “You and Your General Practice” document on the NHS England website. The charter is also available on the NHS England website in multiple languages.

We encourage all our patients to read this important charter to understand how we can best work together to support your health and well-being.

Read the full You and Your General Practice guidance

 

 

NHS Friends and Family

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Page last reviewed: 14 May 2026
Page created: 10 September 2024