It’s Tuesday morning, your throat feels like sandpaper, and the next routine GP appointment is two weeks away. Most people in that spot either wait it out or head to urgent care. There is often a quicker route: the pharmacy down the road.
A local pharmacy in Coventry does far more than hand over prescriptions. Pharmacists are trained clinicians who can assess common infections, supply prescription-only treatment where it’s appropriate, check your blood pressure, provide contraception and help you start a new medicine safely. Plenty of people don’t know this. A 2016–17 Healthwatch Coventry survey of 703 residents found that people weren’t always aware of services their pharmacies already offered.
This guide explains what you can get at a community pharmacy, what is free on the NHS and what is private, and how to decide between a pharmacy, your GP, NHS 111 or A&E. The services described are available at Mount Nod Pharmacy on Sutherland Avenue, CV5.
Treatment for Common Illnesses Without a GP Appointment
Since January 2024, NHS England’s Pharmacy First service has let pharmacists assess and, where clinically appropriate, supply treatment for seven common conditions. That can include antibiotics or antivirals. You don’t need a GP appointment or a prescription, and you can simply walk in.
The seven Pharmacy First conditions
| Condition | Who can use the service |
| Sore throat | Age 5 and over |
| Sinusitis | Age 12 and over |
| Earache | Ages 1 to 17 |
| Infected insect bite | Age 1 and over |
| Impetigo (bacterial skin infection) | Age 1 and over |
| Shingles | Age 18 and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) | Women aged 16 to 64 |
These are guidelines for straightforward cases. If your symptoms don’t fit the pathway, or the pharmacist spots a warning sign, they will advise you to see a GP or another service rather than treat you themselves. That is the system working as intended.
What’s changing this autumn
The NHS is adding five more conditions: low-frequency migraine in adults, seasonal allergic rhinitis in children, outer ear infection in adults, mild to moderate acne, and mild skin infections and scabies. Initially these are only offered at pharmacies that employ a pharmacist with the required prescribing qualification, so availability will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Ask the team before you make the trip.
What happens in a consultation
- You’re taken to a private consultation room, so you aren’t describing symptoms across a busy counter.
- The pharmacist asks about your symptoms, health history and current medicines, and may examine you or check your records.
- If treatment is appropriate, they supply it. NHS prescription charges apply if you normally pay for prescriptions.
- You get self-care advice and clear guidance on what to watch for and when to seek further help.
Pharmacy Services Beyond Minor Illness
Contraception, including emergency contraception
Pharmacies can supply oral contraception without a GP visit. Since October 2025 the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service has also covered oral emergency contraception. If you’re starting the combined pill, expect a blood pressure reading, and sometimes a BMI check, as part of the consultation.
At Mount Nod Pharmacy, contraception consultations take place in a private space, and emergency contraception is available as a walk-in with no need to book. Eligibility is explained at the time.
Free NHS blood pressure checks
High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, which is why checking matters. The NHS offers free pharmacy checks to eligible adults, particularly those who haven’t had a reading from a health professional in the last five years.
- Normal reading: you get advice on keeping it that way.
- High reading: the pharmacist can offer 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, which helps confirm whether you have hypertension.
- Low reading with concerns: they may suggest speaking to your GP.
New Medicine Service
Starting a long-term medicine can be bewildering: when to take it, what side effects are normal, whether it’s working. The free NHS New Medicine Service gives you one-to-one guidance from a pharmacist, with follow-up conversations to see how you’re getting on.
Stop smoking support
Pharmacy-based support combines nicotine replacement therapy matched to how you smoke with one-to-one behavioural support. Having someone local to check in with is often what keeps people going past the first difficult weeks.
Blood tests, weight loss and other private services
Alongside NHS services, Mount Nod Pharmacy offers NHS and private blood tests, including thyroid, cholesterol, diabetes and vitamin levels. Weight loss support starts with a consultation, a health check and a lifestyle assessment, with prescription-only treatment where it’s clinically suitable and regular follow-ups. Private ear syringing is also available for blocked ears, with pre-treatment checks and aftercare advice. [CONFIRM: current prices, or link to a price list.]
NHS or private? A quick guide
| Service | How it’s funded |
| Pharmacy First (seven conditions) | NHS (prescription charges may apply) |
| New Medicine Service | NHS, free |
| Blood pressure check | NHS, free for eligible adults |
| Stop smoking | NHS-backed |
| Flu vaccine | NHS if eligible, private otherwise |
| Blood tests | NHS and private options |
| COVID-19 vaccine, ear syringing, weight loss, travel vaccines | Private (fees confirmed up front) |
Vaccines and Travel Health
Flu vaccines are available each autumn. Check whether you’re eligible for a free NHS jab, or book a private one if you aren’t. Private COVID-19 vaccines are available too, including travel-compliant certificates where needed.
For travel, bring your itinerary and the pharmacist will advise on vaccines and malaria prevention for your destination. Aim to come six to eight weeks before you leave, because some vaccines need more than one dose. Pilgrims travelling for Hajj or Umrah can get the required Meningitis ACWY vaccine and certificate.
You can book an appointment online or walk in.
Repeat Prescriptions and Delivery
You can order NHS repeat prescriptions through the NHS App, set up automatic refills so you don’t run out, and either collect in store or choose delivery to nearby areas. Same-day delivery is available in some localities.
One practical tip: Mount Nod Pharmacy is closed on Sundays and bank holidays. Order at least a few days ahead of any long weekend, especially if you rely on a regular medicine.
Pharmacy, GP, NHS 111 or A&E? How to Choose
| Go to | When |
| Pharmacy | Minor illness, one of the Pharmacy First conditions, medicine questions, contraception, blood pressure checks, repeat prescriptions, travel vaccines |
| GP | Symptoms that persist or keep returning, ongoing conditions needing review, anything a pharmacist refers on |
| NHS 111 | Urgent but not life-threatening, and you’re unsure where to go |
| 999 / A&E | Chest pain, signs of stroke, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness |
If you’re unsure, ask the pharmacist. Part of their job is to tell you quickly when something needs more than they can offer.
Why a Local Pharmacy Is Worth Using
You don’t register with a pharmacy as you do with a GP, and most services are walk-in. In the Healthwatch Coventry survey, 85% of respondents said they used the same pharmacy every time, and many valued knowing the pharmacist and staff by name. That continuity helps. A pharmacist who knows your medicines is better placed to spot an interaction or notice that something has changed.
You can read more about our team and approach, or browse our health guides.
Visiting Mount Nod Pharmacy
Address: 126 Sutherland Avenue, Coventry CV5 7NJ
Phone: 02476 470352
| Day | Hours |
| Monday to Friday | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am to 1:00pm |
| Sunday and bank holidays | Closed |
It helps to bring: a list of your current medicines, your NHS number if you know it, and your travel itinerary if you’re asking about vaccines.
See the full list on our services page, check the FAQ, or contact us with a question before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for Pharmacy First?
No. For the seven common conditions you can walk in or contact the pharmacy directly, and no GP referral is needed. Booking ahead can save waiting time.
Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics?
Where it is clinically appropriate within the Pharmacy First pathways, yes. A pharmacist can supply a limited set of prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics or antivirals. If you don’t need them, they will explain why and suggest other treatment.
Is Pharmacy First free?
The consultation is NHS-funded. If you normally pay for NHS prescriptions, the usual prescription charge applies to any medicine supplied.
Can I get emergency contraception without seeing a GP?
Yes. Mount Nod Pharmacy offers confidential walk-in consultations with no need to book. The pharmacist will check eligibility and explain your options.
Who can have a free NHS blood pressure check?
Eligible adults, particularly those who haven’t had their blood pressure measured by a health professional in the last five years. Ask the team whether you qualify.
Do I need to register with a pharmacy?
No. Unlike a GP surgery, you don’t register with a pharmacy, and most services are walk-in.
Can I get my flu vaccine at Mount Nod Pharmacy?
Yes. The pharmacy checks your NHS eligibility for a free flu vaccine and offers private flu jabs if you aren’t eligible.
Does Mount Nod Pharmacy deliver prescriptions?
Yes. NHS prescriptions can be delivered to nearby areas, and same-day delivery is available in some localities.
