UTI treatment for women on the NHS Pharmacy First service

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection affecting the bladder or urinary system. It is very common in women and, where suitable, can be treated with a short course of treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging when passing urine
• Needing to pass urine more often or more urgently
• Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
• Discomfort in the lower tummy
• Feeling generally unwell

Who the UTI service is for

Our pharmacist can assess you under NHS Pharmacy First if you are:

• A woman aged 16 to 64
• Experiencing uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms
• Not pregnant
• Without repeated (recurrent) UTIs that need a GP review

The service is not suitable for men, for women who are pregnant, or for those outside the eligible age range - in those cases we will point you to the right care.

When to seek urgent help instead

Please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or seek urgent care if you have:

• A high temperature (fever)
• Pain in your back or side (loin pain)
• Nausea or vomiting

These can be signs of a more serious infection. In a medical emergency, always call 999.

How the service works

You do not need a GP referral - just contact us:

• Visit us at 245 High Street, Stratford, London E15 2LS, or call 020 4599 5647
• A GPhC-registered pharmacist will assess your symptoms and check your eligibility
• Where it is clinically appropriate, we supply treatment under NHS arrangements
• If the service is not suitable for you, we will refer you to your GP, NHS 111 or urgent care

We aim to review consultations on the same day during opening hours.

Other NHS Pharmacy First conditions

We can also assess and, where appropriate, treat these common conditions under NHS Pharmacy First: