NHS treatment for uncomplicated UTI
If you are a cisgender woman, a non-binary person assigned female at birth, or a transgender man (with no structural alteration to your urethra), aged 16 to 64, and have symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection, our pharmacist can assess you and supply antibiotics free under NHS Pharmacy First — no GP visit needed.
What is an uncomplicated UTI?
An uncomplicated urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the bladder (cystitis) or the tube that carries urine out of the body (urethra). It's one of the most common reasons women seek same-day care from primary care services.
Typical symptoms — you don't need to have every symptom; most people have one or two of these:
- Burning or stinging when passing urine (dysuria)
- Needing to pass urine more often than usual, including at night
- A sudden, strong urge to pass urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine (that you can see)
If you have these symptoms and meet the eligibility criteria below, start online from your phone — the pharmacist will phone you back, usually within 1–2 hours. Walk-in is also available during opening hours. The pharmacist will assess you and decide what treatment, if any, is appropriate.
Who can be treated under Pharmacy First for UTI?
The NHS Pharmacy First UTI pathway is restricted to lower-risk presentations. The criteria are set by NHS England and we follow them precisely. Bringing yourself for assessment isn't a guarantee of antibiotics — the pharmacist applies clinical judgement against the pathway.
You may be eligible if…
- You are a cisgender woman, a non-binary person assigned female at birth, or a transgender man (with no structural alteration to your urethra), aged 16 to 64
- You have one or more classic lower-UTI symptoms
- You are not pregnant
- You have not had 2 or more UTIs in the last 6 months, or 3 or more in the last 12 months (recurrent UTI sits outside Pharmacy First and needs GP review for investigation and a preventative plan)
- You do not use any urinary catheter — including an indwelling urethral catheter, a supra-pubic catheter, or intermittent self-catheterisation
- You have no signs of upper-UTI or systemic infection
You'll be referred on if…
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (UTIs in pregnancy need GP care)
- You are under 16 or over 64
- You have a high temperature, shivering, or feel unwell systemically
- You have pain in your back, side, or flank (kidney area)
- You have nausea or vomiting alongside the UTI symptoms
- You have abnormal vaginal discharge or pelvic pain
- You use any urinary catheter — including an indwelling urethral catheter, a supra-pubic catheter, or intermittent self-catheterisation
- You have had 2 or more UTIs in the last 6 months, or 3 or more in the last 12 months (recurrent UTI sits outside Pharmacy First and needs GP review for investigation and a preventative plan)
If you're not eligible, the pharmacist will explain why and refer you to the most appropriate next step — usually your GP, NHS 111, or in some cases A&E.
What treatment is offered?
The Pharmacy First UTI pathway (NHS England v1.1, October 2025) follows NICE NG109. Where antibiotics are clinically appropriate, the pharmacist supplies a short course of either:
- Nitrofurantoin (first-line for most patients)
- Trimethoprim (second-line, used where nitrofurantoin is unsuitable e.g. reduced kidney function)
Both are supplied under a Patient Group Direction (PGD) authorised by our superintendent pharmacist. The course is short — typically 3 days for women. You'll be given clear instructions, asked about other medicines you take, and warned about what to do if symptoms don't improve.
The pharmacist may also advise self-care alone — drinking plenty of water, paracetamol for pain — if your symptoms are mild and not consistent with a confirmed bacterial UTI. Not every patient needs antibiotics, and over-prescribing contributes to antibiotic resistance.
We follow NICE NG109 and the NHS England TARGET antibiotic stewardship principles. If your symptoms are mild or self-limiting, the pharmacist may recommend self-care (fluids, paracetamol, and safety-netting) without antibiotics — this is best practice, not a downgrade in care.
How it works — fully online from your phone
- Start the online assessment via the Digital Gateway link above — eligibility check (age, pregnancy, recurrent UTI history), symptom capture, drug allergies, current medicines. About 5 minutes on your phone.
- Pharmacist reviews your record in our PharmOutcomes system — usually within 1-2 hours during opening hours. UTI is one of the simplest pathways to assess remotely because no physical exam is needed.
- Pharmacist phones you to clarify anything ambiguous and confirm the plan. Quick call — usually 5-10 minutes.
- Clinical decision — supply of nitrofurantoin (first-line) or trimethoprim, self-care advice if antibiotics aren't appropriate, or referral to GP if your case is outside the pathway.
- If antibiotics are supplied: free delivery to your door — Royal Mail Tracked anywhere in England, same-day for Leeds LS postcodes — or collection from us. No prescription charge.
- GP notified automatically via NHS GP Connect — your medical record stays joined-up.
- Follow-up: if symptoms haven't improved in 48 hours of starting treatment, message us back or call — the pharmacist will reassess and refer you on if needed.
Start your UTI assessment online
Open our NHS-assured Digital Gateway on your phone. Answer the eligibility and symptom questions, and the pharmacist will have your record ready. Free, confidential, no GP appointment needed.
Start online assessment → Or call 0113 244 1551Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an appointment?
- No — Pharmacy First is walk-in. We recommend calling ahead so the pharmacist can be ready, but it's not required.
- How much does it cost?
- It's free under the NHS. There's no charge for the consultation or for any medicine supplied through Pharmacy First — even if you'd normally pay an NHS prescription charge.
- What if I'm not registered with a GP in Leeds?
- That's fine. Pharmacy First is open to anyone in England who's registered with an NHS GP, regardless of location. We'll still notify your GP wherever they are.
- Can men have a UTI consultation here?
- The NHS Pharmacy First UTI pathway is currently restricted to women aged 16-64. Men with UTI symptoms should see their GP because male UTIs more often signal an underlying issue that needs investigation.
- What if my symptoms come back after treatment?
- Come back to us or see your GP. Recurrent UTI (3+ in 12 months) sits outside Pharmacy First and needs GP review for investigation and a preventative plan.
- Will my GP know I came here?
- Yes — if we supply antibiotics, we notify your GP automatically via NHS GP Connect. Your record stays joined-up.
- Can I take the antibiotics with my other medicines?
- The pharmacist will check this carefully during the consultation. Both nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim have interactions with certain medicines — that's part of why the assessment exists.
About this service at Hyde Park Pharmacy
Hyde Park Pharmacy is a community pharmacy in central Leeds, registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (premises 9011727), and a contractor of the NHS England Pharmacy First service. Our superintendent pharmacist is Shoyab Umarji (GPhC #2065619, Independent Prescriber). The Pharmacy First UTI pathway follows the v1.1 NHS England service specification (October 2025).
For an overview of all seven Pharmacy First pathways we cover, see our main Pharmacy First page. For a step-by-step explanation of the post-submission flow, see what happens next.