testphar2opengateway

NHS Pharmacy First – Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Assessment

This NHS Pharmacy First service offers assessment and treatment for symptoms of a simple lower urinary tract infection (UTI) in eligible patients. Our pharmacist will use the national clinical pathway to check your symptoms, rule out more serious causes and, where appropriate, supply antibiotics without the need to see your GP.

• Gateway clinical check – symptoms are assessed using NHS UTI criteria, including typical bladder symptoms and absence of red flags
• Fast access to treatment – where antibiotics are appropriate, they can be supplied on the same day following consultation
• Whole-person review – we consider pregnancy, other conditions and medicines before deciding the best option
• Self-care and safety-netting – clear advice on pain relief, fluids and when to seek urgent medical help

Who Is This Service For?
Adults who are eligible under the NHS Pharmacy First criteria and have symptoms suggesting a simple lower UTI, such as burning or stinging when passing urine, needing to pass urine more often, or passing small amounts of urine. If your symptoms suggest another cause (for example vaginal discharge, possible sexually transmitted infection, or pregnancy), the pharmacist will signpost you to a more appropriate service.

What Happens at Your Consultation?
The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long they have been present, any previous UTIs and any medicines you take. They will check for warning signs such as pain in your sides or back, fever, shaking chills, feeling very unwell, nausea or vomiting, which can suggest kidney infection and need urgent medical review. Where appropriate, treatment may be supplied under the UTI Pharmacy First pathway, or you may be referred to your GP or urgent care if further tests are needed.

Important Safety Information
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop fever, flank or back pain, vomiting, shaking chills, blood in the urine or if you feel very unwell. Always complete any antibiotic course exactly as prescribed and return to the pharmacy if there is no improvement after 48 hours.

Further NHS Information
NHS advice on urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Gateway Criteria: View gateway criteria