Pharmacy First & NHS Treatments | Oldham Clinic by Butler Green Pharmacy
NHS Pharmacy First — Open Today in Oldham

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you in today?

Select your concern below — get expert advice and book your appointment today. No GP needed. 7 conditions treated free on the NHS.

7
Free NHS Conditions
Same-Day
Appointments Available
0
GP Referral Needed
Choose your condition to get started
🦠 UTI NHS Free 😤 Sinusitis NHS Free 🤒 Sore Throat NHS Free 👂 Earache NHS Free 🦟 Insect Bite NHS Free 🩹 Impetigo NHS Free ⚡ Shingles Urgent ⚖️ Weight Loss Private 🔊 Ear Cleaning Private ✈️ Travel Health Private
Ruth Hulton, Chief Clinical Pharmacist at Oldham Clinic
Open Now
Ruth Hulton
Chief Clinical Pharmacist
GPhC Registered Independent Prescriber Pharmacy First Accredited
🏥
NHS Pharmacy First
Accredited Provider
✅
GPhC Registered
Qualified Pharmacists
⚡
Same-Day Appointments
Available Today
💷
Free on the NHS
7 Conditions Covered
What Our Patients Say

Trusted by patients across Oldham

NHS Pharmacy First Programme

Get treated today — no GP wait

Since February 2024, NHS England's Pharmacy First programme allows our pharmacists to assess, diagnose, and treat seven common conditions directly — including issuing prescription-only antibiotics where clinically appropriate. Free of charge. No referral needed.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

NHS Free
Eligible: Women aged 16–64 with uncomplicated lower UTI symptoms

A UTI causes painful urination, urgency, and cloudy urine. Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess and prescribe antibiotics if needed — no GP appointment required, free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate frequently, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pain in your lower abdomen. You may also notice blood in your urine. If you have a high fever or back pain, this could indicate a kidney infection — please seek urgent care.
Yes. Under the NHS Pharmacy First programme, our pharmacist is trained and authorised to assess and treat uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16–64, including prescribing antibiotics where clinically appropriate — no GP visit or referral required.
Yes. The consultation and any antibiotics provided as part of the Pharmacy First service are completely free of charge on the NHS. No prescription charge applies.
Our pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any current medications. A urine dipstick test may be performed. The consultation takes place in a private room and takes around 10–15 minutes. If treatment is appropriate, you'll leave with a prescription or medication same day.
Seek emergency care if you have a high fever, severe back or side pain, are pregnant, or if symptoms are worsening rapidly. These may indicate a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) which requires urgent medical attention beyond pharmacy care.

Sinusitis

NHS Free
Eligible: Adults and children aged 12 and over

Sinusitis causes a blocked or runny nose, facial pain, and discoloured nasal discharge lasting more than 10 days. Our pharmacist can assess severity and provide appropriate treatment under NHS Pharmacy First.

Frequently Asked Questions
Sinusitis typically presents as a blocked or runny nose with thick discoloured discharge, facial pain or pressure especially around the forehead and cheeks, and a reduced sense of smell — lasting more than 10 days. You may also have a headache or feel generally unwell.
Yes. Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess and treat acute sinusitis in patients aged 12 and above, including prescribing a nasal steroid spray or antibiotics where clinically indicated.
Yes. The Pharmacy First consultation and any prescribed medication are free of charge on the NHS in England. No prescription charge applies.
Not necessarily. Most sinusitis is caused by a virus, which does not respond to antibiotics. Our pharmacist will assess whether antibiotics are appropriate. A nasal corticosteroid spray is often the recommended first-line treatment.
Seek urgent care if you have severe headache, swelling around the eyes, a stiff neck, vision changes, or feel very unwell. These could indicate a complication requiring hospital assessment — call 999 or go to A&E.

Sore Throat

NHS Free
Eligible: Adults and children aged 5 and over

A sore throat from bacterial infection can be assessed and treated by our pharmacist using a clinical scoring tool. Antibiotics are provided where appropriate under NHS Pharmacy First.

Frequently Asked Questions
Our pharmacist uses a validated clinical tool called the FeverPAIN or Centor score, assessing symptoms such as fever, absence of a cough, swollen glands, and the appearance of your tonsils to determine whether antibiotics are likely to help.
No. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and will resolve on their own within 7–10 days. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Our pharmacist will assess which is most likely in your case.
Yes. Children aged 5 and above are eligible for the Pharmacy First sore throat pathway. A parent or guardian must accompany children to the consultation.
Yes. The assessment and any antibiotics provided under the Pharmacy First programme are completely free on the NHS.
Seek emergency care if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, you are drooling, have a muffled voice, or if one side of the throat is significantly more swollen. These may indicate a peritonsillar abscess — call 999.

Earache (Otitis Media)

NHS Free
Eligible: Children aged 1–17 years

Earache in children is commonly caused by a middle ear infection. Our pharmacist can assess your child and provide treatment including antibiotics where needed, under NHS Pharmacy First.

Frequently Asked Questions
Signs include ear pain (the child may pull or tug at their ear), difficulty hearing, fever, and irritability. Young children may be unusually unsettled or have difficulty sleeping. In some cases there may be discharge from the ear.
Yes. The NHS Pharmacy First earache pathway covers children aged 1–17. Our pharmacist will assess your child and can prescribe antibiotics if clinically appropriate, without a GP appointment.
Yes. Your child needs to be present for the pharmacist to carry out a clinical assessment. A parent or guardian must accompany children throughout the consultation.
Yes. The consultation and any medication prescribed under the Pharmacy First service are free of charge on the NHS.
Seek emergency care if your child has a very high fever, appears very unwell or lethargic, has redness or swelling behind the ear, or if you are concerned about their breathing or level of consciousness.

Infected Insect Bite

NHS Free
Eligible: Adults and children aged 1 and over

An infected insect bite can cause spreading redness, swelling, and warmth. Early pharmacist treatment prevents escalation. Antibiotics available under NHS Pharmacy First where needed.

Frequently Asked Questions
Signs of infection include increasing redness spreading from the bite site, warmth, swelling, pain, and sometimes a discharge of pus. You may also develop a fever. An infected bite needs treatment rather than self-care alone.
Yes. Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess and treat infected insect bites in adults and children aged 1 and above, including prescribing antibiotics where needed.
As soon as you notice signs of infection spreading. Untreated infected bites can develop into cellulitis — a more serious skin infection that may require hospital treatment. Early assessment is always recommended.
Yes. The Pharmacy First consultation and any prescribed treatment are provided free of charge on the NHS in England.
Go to A&E immediately if you have red lines spreading from the bite (tracking), a high fever, feel very unwell, or the bite is near your eye with worsening swelling.

Impetigo

NHS Free
Eligible: Adults and children aged 1 and over

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection causing honey-coloured crusted sores. Our pharmacist can assess severity and prescribe topical or oral antibiotics under NHS Pharmacy First.

Frequently Asked Questions
Impetigo typically appears as red sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days, and then form a yellowish-brown crust. It is most common around the nose and mouth but can appear anywhere on the body.
Yes, impetigo is highly contagious. Avoid close contact, do not share towels or bedding, and keep the affected area covered. Children should stay off school until sores have crusted over or they have been on antibiotics for 48 hours.
Depending on severity, our pharmacist may prescribe a topical antibiotic cream for mild cases or oral antibiotics for more widespread infection. Both are available under NHS Pharmacy First free of charge.
Impetigo is most common in young children but can affect anyone. The Pharmacy First pathway covers adults and children from age 1 upwards.
Seek urgent care if the infection is spreading rapidly, the person has a high fever, or there are signs of a deeper skin infection such as significant pain, swelling, or dark discolouration of the skin.
⚡ Time-critical: Antiviral treatment is most effective within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Book today — do not wait.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

NHS FreeUrgent — 72hrs
Eligible: Adults aged 18+ (priority: 50 and over)

Shingles causes a painful, blistering rash. Antiviral treatment must be started within 72 hours of the rash appearing for maximum effectiveness. Come in today — do not wait for a GP appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions
Shingles typically begins with burning, tingling, or shooting pain on one side of the body, followed within days by a red rash and fluid-filled blisters. Some people also experience headache, fever, and fatigue before the rash appears.
Antiviral medication is significantly more effective when started within 72 hours of the rash first appearing. After this window, treatment is much less effective. If you suspect shingles, please book today — do not wait for a GP appointment.
Yes. Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can prescribe antiviral medication for eligible patients aged 18 and above. This is free of charge on the NHS.
Patients aged 50 and above are at higher risk of complications, including post-herpetic neuralgia — persistent nerve pain that can last months after the rash has cleared. Early treatment significantly reduces this risk.
Seek urgent care if the rash appears on or near your eye, if you are immunocompromised, have a severe headache and stiff neck, or develop confusion or weakness. Call 999 for these symptoms.
Private Services

Expert clinical care beyond the NHS

Delivered by Ruth Hulton and her team at Oldham Clinic. Book your consultation below.

Medical Weight Loss

Private
Eligible: Adults aged 18+ (clinical assessment required)

Oldham Clinic offers clinically supervised medical weight loss programmes delivered by our Chief Clinical Pharmacist Ruth Hulton. Assessment, prescription, and ongoing monitoring — all under one roof.

Frequently Asked Questions
We offer clinically supervised weight loss programmes including GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments. All treatments are assessed and prescribed individually by our Chief Clinical Pharmacist Ruth Hulton, based on your clinical needs.
Eligibility is assessed during your consultation and depends on factors including your BMI, medical history, and existing medications. Book a consultation and Ruth will conduct a full clinical assessment to determine the most appropriate pathway for you.
Medical weight loss uses clinically approved treatments to support significant, sustained weight reduction under pharmacist supervision. It is designed for patients where lifestyle changes alone have not been sufficient, and involves ongoing clinical monitoring.
These are brand names for semaglutide — one of the GLP-1 medications that may be discussed during your consultation. Your pharmacist will assess whether this or another treatment is the right choice for your individual circumstances.
Your initial consultation covers assessment and treatment planning. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress, adjust dosing, and provide ongoing clinical support. Frequency depends on the treatment pathway agreed with your pharmacist.

Ear Cleaning / Microsuction

Private
Eligible: All ages (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

Blocked ears caused by wax build-up can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and discomfort. Oldham Clinic offers professional microsuction ear cleaning — the safest and most effective method available.

Frequently Asked Questions
Microsuction is a dry, safe ear cleaning technique that uses gentle suction to remove ear wax under direct visualisation. Unlike syringing, no water is used, making it suitable for most patients including those with a history of ear drum issues or hearing aids.
Syringing uses pressurised water and cannot be used with certain ear conditions. Microsuction is performed under direct visualisation allowing the clinician to see exactly what they are doing. It is considered the gold standard for ear wax removal.
We recommend softening the wax with olive oil or ear drops for 3–5 days before your appointment where possible, as this makes removal easier and more comfortable. If your symptoms are severe, book and we can advise at the appointment.
The appointment typically takes 20–30 minutes, including a brief assessment of both ears before treatment and aftercare advice at the end.
Microsuction is generally well-tolerated and most patients find it comfortable. Some experience a brief sensation of noise or mild dizziness during the procedure, which resolves quickly. Our clinician will explain everything before starting.

Travel Health

Private
Eligible: All ages (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

Planning to travel? Oldham Clinic offers comprehensive travel health consultations including vaccinations, antimalarials, and destination-specific health advice — delivered by our experienced clinical pharmacy team.

Frequently Asked Questions
We offer a wide range of travel vaccinations including Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Cholera. The vaccines recommended will depend on your destination, itinerary, and medical history.
We recommend booking at least 6–8 weeks before you travel. Some vaccine courses require multiple doses over several weeks. If you are travelling soon, please still book — we can still help with whatever is available in your timeframe.
Yes. Our pharmacist can recommend and supply antimalarial medication appropriate for your specific destination. Different destinations require different antimalarials, and your medical history and itinerary will be taken into account.
We can provide travel health documentation and advice. For specific fit-to-fly certificates related to medical conditions, please mention this when booking so we can ensure the appropriate clinician is available for your appointment.
Pricing varies depending on the vaccinations required and the complexity of your itinerary. Book your consultation and our team will provide a full breakdown of costs before any treatment is administered. There is no charge for the initial consultation.
Ruth Hulton, Chief Clinical Pharmacist at Oldham Clinic by Butler Green Pharmacy
Ruth Hulton
Chief Clinical Pharmacist
Your Lead Pharmacist

Expert care
you can trust.

Ruth leads the clinical team at Oldham Clinic by Butler Green Pharmacy, bringing expert pharmacist-led care to the people of Oldham. Fully GPhC registered and trained across all NHS Pharmacy First pathways, Ruth and her team are committed to making expert healthcare accessible, fast, and free where possible.

GPhC Registered Pharmacist
NHS Pharmacy First Accredited Provider
Independent Prescriber
Travel Health Specialist
Medical Weight Loss Clinician
Book with Ruth's Team Today

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Same-day appointments available · NHS treatments free of charge · Oldham

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Oldham Clinic
by Butler Green Pharmacy

Providing NHS Pharmacy First and private clinical services to the people of Oldham. Led by Ruth Hulton, Chief Clinical Pharmacist.

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Important: This website provides general health information only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the guidance of your pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, dial 999 or attend your nearest A&E. NHS Pharmacy First is available to eligible patients in England only, subject to clinical assessment. GPhC registration number: 1101083.