Pharmacies in Bexleyheath: Late and Sunday Opening and Pharmacy First
How to find a pharmacy that is open when you need it, and the seven conditions a pharmacist can treat under NHS Pharmacy First without a GP appointment.
Pharmacy opening hours vary from branch to branch and change often, including at weekends and on bank holidays. We do not print hours for individual pharmacies, because a stale hour is worse than none. Use the NHS's own tool, then phone the pharmacy to confirm before you set out.
How do I find a pharmacy that is open now?
The NHS find a pharmacy tool searches by town or postcode and returns pharmacies with their details. NHS South East London says there are 46 pharmacies in Bexley, so there is usually a choice. Search using your postcode, open the listing for each one near you, check the opening times it shows for today, and ring to confirm if it is late in the evening or a Sunday or bank holiday. If you are unsure where to go, NHS 111 online can point you to the right service.
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS England service that began on 31 January 2024. For seven common conditions you can go to or contact a participating pharmacy directly, without a referral. Pharmacists follow a set clinical pathway and may supply medicines, including some normally on prescription, where appropriate. NHS England lists the conditions and the ages covered:
| Condition | Age range |
|-----------|-----------|
| Earache (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 aged 16 to 64 |
NHS England notes that online-only (distance selling) pharmacies cannot provide consultations for earache. GP practices, urgent care settings and NHS 111 can also refer you to Pharmacy First. See the NHS England Pharmacy First page for the full wording.
When is a pharmacy the wrong place?
Pharmacy First is for the seven conditions above and is not a substitute for emergency care. For anything severe or worsening, see our urgent care guide or our GP surgeries guide.
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