Primary Care
Access healthcare services without a GP referral. These services allow you to get treatment directly from qualified professionals.
Pharmacy First
Visit your local pharmacy for treatment of minor ailments without needing to see your GP. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide clinical advice and treatment.
Conditions Treated:
How It Works:
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1Visit a participating pharmacy
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2Speak to the pharmacist about your symptoms
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3Receive advice, treatment, or referral if needed
Optometrist Services
The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) allows you to get treatment for eye problems directly from an optometrist without seeing your GP first.
Conditions Treated:
How It Works:
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1Contact a participating optometrist
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2Book an appointment (often same-day)
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3Receive assessment and treatment
Pharmacy Consultation
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses.
The NHS Pharmacy First service is available at most local pharmacies across Hampshire. No appointment is needed, and many pharmacies are open evenings and weekends.
Learn more about NHS Pharmacy First →
Participating Pharmacies
South Downs Pharmacy Group
Multiple locations across Hampshire
Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 10am-4pm
Boots Pharmacy
Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Basingstoke
Mon-Sat: 8:30am-5:30pm, Sun: Closed
Lloyds Pharmacy
Multiple locations across Hampshire
Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat: 9am-1pm, Sun: Closed
Independent Community Pharmacies
Various locations - check local listings
Hours vary by location
Participating Optometrists
Rawlings Opticians
Southampton, Winchester, Fareham
Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm, Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: Closed
Specsavers
Multiple locations across Hampshire
Mon-Sat: 9am-5:30pm, Sun: 10am-4pm (selected stores)
Vision Express
Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Andover
Mon-Sat: 9am-5:30pm, Sun: Closed
Independent Opticians
Various locations - check local listings
Hours vary by location
When to Use Primary Care Services
Primary care services like Pharmacy First and MECS are ideal for non-emergency conditions that need professional attention but don't require a GP or hospital visit.
Use these services when:
- • You have a minor health concern
- • You need advice on medications
- • You're experiencing symptoms listed under covered conditions
- • You need quick access to healthcare advice
For emergencies:
Always call 999 or go to A&E for serious or life-threatening conditions.
