Common questions.
Questions about NHS services, private appointments, and prescriptions at Muirend Pharmacy.
NHS services
- What is Pharmacy First Scotland?
- Pharmacy First Scotland is a free NHS service that lets you see a pharmacist for advice and treatment of minor ailments without needing a GP appointment. You can walk in without a referral. Common conditions treated include sore throat, earache, conjunctivitis, skin rashes, and digestive complaints.
- What is Pharmacy First Plus?
- Pharmacy First Plus is a more advanced NHS service available at pharmacies with an independent prescribing pharmacist. We can assess and treat a specific list of conditions — including urinary tract infections, impetigo, infected insect bites, sinusitis, and shingles — where clinically appropriate. Book an appointment rather than walking in.
- Who is eligible for NHS services at Muirend?
- Any patient registered with a GP in Scotland can access NHS Pharmacy First and Pharmacy First Plus services at Muirend. You don't need to be registered with a local GP — just any Scottish GP.
- What conditions can Pharmacy First Plus treat?
- Pharmacy First Plus at Muirend covers eight conditions: sore throat, urinary tract infection (UTI) in women, impetigo, infected insect bites, sinusitis, shingles, otitis media (middle ear infection), and otitis externa (outer ear infection). Other conditions may be treatable under Pharmacy First Scotland, or we may refer you to your GP.
- What should I bring to an NHS appointment?
- Nothing is strictly required. It helps to bring a list of any current medicines you take (or the medicines themselves), and any relevant medical history if you have complex health conditions. We'll ask during the consultation.
- Will I always get a prescription from a Pharmacy First Plus appointment?
- Not necessarily. Our pharmacist will assess you and prescribe where clinically appropriate. If your condition doesn't require a prescription, we'll advise on self-care. If we can't treat you ourselves, we'll refer you to the right service.
- Is the stop smoking service free?
- Yes. Stop smoking support at Muirend is free to eligible NHS patients. This includes behavioural support and access to licensed stop smoking medicines where appropriate.
- Are blood pressure checks free?
- Yes. Blood pressure checks at the pharmacy are free. If your reading is concerning, we'll advise on next steps — including referring you to your GP if needed.
Private appointments
- How do I book a private appointment?
- Book online using our booking system — link on every private service page. Select the service you need, choose a time, and you'll get a confirmation. If you're unsure which service is right for you, call us on 0141 637 2014.
- What does the consultation fee include?
- The consultation fee covers the clinical assessment. For vaccinations, the vaccine and administration are included in the price. The fee does not guarantee treatment — that depends on clinical assessment. Where treatment isn't clinically appropriate, we'll advise or refer you, and you won't be charged for the consultation.
- Do I need a GP referral for private appointments?
- No. Private appointments at Muirend don't require a GP referral. Our independent prescribers can assess, prescribe, and administer treatment within their clinical competence.
- Can children attend private appointments?
- It depends on the service. The acne consultation is available from age 12. Travel health consultations are available for children travelling with an adult. Some services are adults-only — check the individual service page or call us.
- What if I can't attend and need to cancel?
- Please cancel or rearrange as soon as you know — ideally with at least 24 hours' notice. This lets us offer the slot to someone else. Call us on 0141 637 2014 or reply to your booking confirmation.
- Is private prescription medicine included in the fee?
- No. If a private prescription is issued and you want us to dispense it, the medicine cost is additional. Private prescription prices vary by medicine. We'll always tell you the cost before dispensing.
- What is weight management at Muirend?
- We offer a private clinical weight management consultation — initial assessment (£80, 45 minutes, in person) followed by monthly follow-up appointments (£45). GP communication is included throughout. See our weight management service page for full details, or call us on 0141 637 2014.
Prescriptions
- What is Pharmaself24?
- Pharmaself24 is an automated prescription collection machine at the front of Muirend Pharmacy. Once registered, you can collect your prescriptions at any time — day or night, including weekends and bank holidays — using a secure PIN. Registration takes five minutes in-store.
- How do I register for Pharmaself24?
- Visit the pharmacy during opening hours and ask any member of the team. Registration takes about five minutes. You'll be given a secure PIN to use at the machine. Family members can be added as nominees at the same time.
- What are managed repeats?
- Managed repeats is a free service where Muirend Pharmacy handles your repeat prescription cycle. We request from your GP before you run out, dispense when the prescription arrives, and text you when it's ready. You just collect — or we deliver.
- Does free home delivery cost anything?
- No. Free home delivery is genuinely free — no delivery charge, no minimum order. It's available to patients in G43, G44, and G77. Delivery runs Monday to Saturday.
- How do I request a one-off repeat prescription?
- Use our online repeat prescription request form. Fill in your details, your GP practice, and the medicines you need. We'll send the request to your GP and let you know when it's ready. This takes 3–5 working days.
- What if I need medication urgently?
- Prescription request forms and managed repeats are not for urgent supply. If you need medication today, call us on 0141 637 2014. For clinical advice after hours, contact NHS 24 on 111.
- Can I switch collection method?
- Yes, at any time. Just tell us — in person, by phone, or by email. We'll update your preferences. You can switch between Pharmaself24, counter collection, and free delivery.
- Are prescription charges different at Muirend?
- No. Standard NHS prescription charges apply (or exemptions). There are no additional charges for using Muirend as your pharmacy, for managed repeats, or for free delivery. The only prescription-related costs are the standard NHS charges, which most patients in Scotland don't pay anyway.