Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. While anyone who has had chickenpox in the past can develop shingles later in life, the risk increases with age and weakened immunity. For many people, preventing shingles is as important as managing its symptoms, and pharmacists across the UK play a vital role in offering advice and support.
Getting quick access to healthcare can be challenging, especially when GP appointments are fully booked, and waiting times stretch into weeks. For families, this can be particularly stressful when children or loved ones need treatment for minor illnesses that don’t require hospital care. Thankfully, the NHS Pharmacy First service make it easier than ever to get trusted support directly from your local pharmacy.
Hollowood Chemists is proud to be part of this initiative, offering families fast, safe, and reliable care without the delays associated with GP waiting lists.
Pharmacy First is a new NHS service that allows patients to walk into a participating pharmacy and receive expert care for a range of common health conditions. Instead of booking and waiting for a GP appointment, you can simply visit your pharmacy for advice, assessment, and in some cases, medication to treat your symptoms.
This service not only reduces pressure on GPs but also ensures families have accessible healthcare when they need it most. At Hollowood Chemists, our team is trained to provide Pharmacy First services that support patients of all ages.
The Pharmacy First scheme offers treatment and advice for a variety of everyday illnesses and concerns. These include:
These conditions can often be resolved with timely care and appropriate treatment from your local pharmacy, reducing the need for GP involvement.
For families juggling work, school, and daily life, convenience is key. Pharmacy First offers several advantages for parents and carers:
This means that when a child wakes up with a sore throat, or a parent develops a sudden UTI, you don’t have to wait weeks for help.
The process is simple and stress-free:
You can even start by completing our online consultation, making it easier to prepare for your visit.
At Hollowood Chemists, we prioritise Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT) to ensure families receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to support families with healthcare that is both convenient and credible.
Pharmacy First is ideal for treating minor illnesses quickly, but it does not replace your GP for more complex or long-term conditions. You should use Pharmacy First when you or your family members have symptoms such as UTIs, sinus infections, or insect bites that are not severe but require attention.
However, if symptoms are worsening, persistent, or linked to a serious condition, your pharmacist will advise you to see a GP or attend hospital. This ensures patient safety remains the top priority.
Pharmacy First is just one way Hollowood Chemists supports families. Alongside NHS services, we also provide a wide range of private healthcare options, including vaccinations, health checks, and consultations. This ensures that whatever your family’s healthcare needs, we can provide timely and effective solutions.
For families, healthcare should be accessible, reliable, and stress-free. Pharmacy First makes this possible by cutting GP waiting times and ensuring patients can access care for common conditions when they need it most.
Whether it’s UTI infection treatment, treatment for insect bites, or support for sinus or shingles, Hollowood Chemists is here to help. With expert pharmacists, trusted care, and flexible access, we’re committed to protecting the health of families across our communities.
As we step into 2026, international travel is becoming more accessible again. Yet, health and safety remain top priorities for both travellers and governments. While many countries have relaxed restrictions, several destinations continue to require proof of vaccination against COVID-19, particularly for high-risk groups or during seasonal surges. For travellers in the UK, this means staying informed and prepared. One way to ensure you remain compliant with varying travel rules is by considering private COVID vaccines.
As international travel continues to grow, more people are realising the importance of staying safe abroad. Whether for business, leisure, or adventure, preparing for a trip isn’t just about booking flights and hotels—it’s also about protecting your health. One of the most effective ways to do this is through private travel injections. Fast, discreet, and reliable, they are becoming the preferred choice for travellers who want peace of mind before boarding a plane.
Pregnancy is a special time, but it also comes with unique health considerations. One of the most important steps expectant mothers can take is ensuring they are protected against seasonal illnesses, particularly influenza (flu). The flu can be much more severe in pregnant women due to changes in the immune system, lungs, and heart. What’s more, vaccination during pregnancy not only protects the mother but also provides vital immunity to the baby during those crucial early months of life.