Self Help and Self Referral

Common ailments can often be treated by yourself at home using medicines that are available over the counter from your local pharmacy (chemist shop) or supermarket. The NHS website has advice on their web site or you can phone NHS 111. Your local pharmacist can also advise you on minor illnesses.

The Pharmacy First scheme provides advice, treatment and medicines for common ailments from your local pharmacy. How does it work?

If you have any common ailments, you can access the Pharmacy First scheme in two ways:

Visit one of the pharmacies taking part in the Pharmacy First scheme.  You will be seen promptly by a member of the pharmacy team and you can ask to be seen in private.

Some practices use this scheme and may give you a voucher (one per patient) to take to the pharmacy. 

For more information please check NHS Lewisham's website.

Self-help guide

You can use the the NHS Website Self-Help Guide to get advice on many conditions, including how you can treat them at home and when to seek further help.


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Free medicines without a prescription


Self Referral

Many services are accessible without having to see a GP:

Sydenham Green Surgery is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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