May 2026
Welcome to the third of a series of newsletters about making the best use of local health services
These newsletters have been produced in partnership with the Practice’s Patient Participation Group.
This newsletter focuses on the services provided by Community Pharmacies, including those you can refer yourself to without needing a GP appointment.
Use the links in each section below (underlined) to find more information.
As well as dispensing prescriptions, Community Pharmacies provide a range of other services - more information about all the services offered by Community Pharmacies can be found on the NHS website at: Community Pharmacies.
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First enables your local pharmacist to treat the following conditions with prescription-only medicines, without the need for you to visit your GP first:
- Sinusitis (patients aged 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (patients aged 5+)
- Earache (patients aged 1-17 years)
- Infected insect bite (patients aged 1+)
- Impetigo (patients aged 18+)
- Shingles (patients aged 18 years+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16-64 years).
This service is available as a walk-in service at both Boots Pharmacy and Well Pharmacy in Swanage. You do not need an appointment.
You may also be referred to this service by Swanage Medical Practice if you contact the Practice about one of the conditions included in the Pharmacy First service.
For more information about Pharmacy First, watch this Pharmacy First Animation.
Vaccinations
Boots Pharmacy and Well Pharmacy In Swanage both offer free flu vaccinations for those who are eligible. However, if you have previously attended Swanage Medical Practice for your flu vaccination, we encourage you to continue attending the Practice for your flu vaccinations. The Practice purchases flu vaccine based on the number of vaccinations administered the previous year - they will contact you when the vaccine is available. If you then decide not to attend the Practice for your flu vaccination, the vaccine may be wasted.
Well Pharmacy also offers free COVID vaccinations for those who are eligible.
Pharmacy Contraception Service
Community Pharmacies can now supply both free oral contraception and free oral emergency contraception, without a prescription and without needing to see a GP first.
This service is available at Boots Pharmacy and Well Pharmacy in Swanage and includes initiation of oral contraception, as well as ongoing monitoring and supply of medication.
Smoking Cessation Support
Smoking Cessation Support is available at Boots Pharmacy and Well Pharmacy in Swanage.
Blood Pressure Checks
Blood pressure checks are available at Boots Pharmacy and Well Pharmacy in Swanage for people aged 40 or over who do not already have high blood pressure and have not had their blood pressure checked by a health professional in the past six months.
NHS Health Checks
NHS Health Checks are available at Boots Pharmacy in Swanage. However, if you are eligible for an NHS Health Check, you should receive an invitation from Swanage Medical Practice to attend for an NHS Health Check at the Practice.
To find out If you are eligible, go to: NHS website - NHS Health Checks.