Pharmacy First condition
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
An uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in women, assessed at our Crewe pharmacy without a GP appointment.
A urinary tract infection is a common infection of the bladder and the rest of the urinary system. Through NHS Pharmacy First, a pharmacist in Crewe can assess an uncomplicated UTI in women aged 16 to 64 without a GP appointment.
How it tends to feel
Typical symptoms are a burning or stinging sensation when passing urine, needing to go more often or more urgently than usual, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and a dragging discomfort low in the tummy. The intensity ranges from mildly annoying to genuinely uncomfortable.
Who this pathway suits
This NHS service is specifically for women aged 16 to 64 with an uncomplicated lower UTI. It is not suitable if you are pregnant, use a urinary catheter, have UTIs that keep returning, or have warning features such as fever, pain in the back or side, or blood in the urine. Those situations need a GP assessment, and the pharmacist will direct you appropriately.
What the pharmacist will do
The pharmacist asks about your symptoms and history and checks them against the NHS pathway. A urine sample is not routinely tested for this service, so the assessment rests on your symptoms. Where it is clinically appropriate, NHS treatment can be supplied directly; otherwise you will be advised on self-care or referred on.
Self-care
Drinking enough fluids and using simple pain relief can ease things while symptoms settle. The pharmacist will explain what to expect and which signs mean you should seek further help.
When to see a GP
Seek a GP or urgent assessment if you develop a high temperature, pain in your back or side, blood in your urine, symptoms that do not improve, or if you are pregnant or use a catheter.
Symptoms
Burning or stinging when passing urine, needing to go more often or more urgently, cloudy urine and lower tummy discomfort.
What the pharmacist can do
Our pharmacist assesses your symptoms against the NHS pathway, advises on self-care, and where it is clinically appropriate supplies NHS treatment directly.
When to see a GP or seek urgent help
Not for catheter users, pregnancy or recurrent UTIs, and not if there is fever, back or side pain, or blood in the urine — these need a GP, and the pharmacist will refer you.