UTI Service (Women 16-64)
The burning discomfort and constant urge to go that come with a urinary tract infection can make everyday life miserable, and waiting for a GP appointment is not always practical. At Hubert Figg Pharmacy, our UTI Service allows women aged 16 to 64 to be assessed by our pharmacist and, where clinically appropriate, treated on the spot, without the wait for a GP appointment.
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, happens when bacteria, most commonly a type called E. coli, enter the urinary tract and cause infection, usually in the bladder. This is often referred to as an uncomplicated UTI when it occurs in an otherwise healthy woman without other complicating factors. UTIs are common and, for many women, occur more than once, but each episode is usually straightforward to treat once properly assessed.
Signs to Look Out For
UTI symptoms are often distinctive, though it helps to know what points towards an uncomplicated infection versus something needing further assessment.
| Sign | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Burning or stinging when passing urine | One of the most common and recognisable UTI symptoms |
| Needing to urinate more often or urgently | Common alongside discomfort, even when little urine is passed |
| Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine | Often accompanies an active infection |
| Fever, back or loin pain, or feeling generally unwell | May suggest the infection has spread to the kidneys and needs urgent assessment |
How Our UTI Service Works
Our UTI Service is delivered under NHS Pharmacy First, a service available through participating community pharmacies in England. Uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16 to 64 are one of the seven established Pharmacy First clinical pathways, allowing our pharmacist to assess your symptoms and, where appropriate, treat you without a prior GP appointment. Treatment follows the relevant clinical pathway, and where a UTI is confirmed as uncomplicated, an appropriate antibiotic can be supplied directly following your consultation.
Who Can Use This Service
This service is available to women aged 16 to 64 with symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI. It is not suitable for women who are pregnant, have recurrent or complicated UTIs, have symptoms suggesting the kidneys are involved, or fall outside this age range, all of whom will be referred on to a GP for further assessment.
| Service | Cost | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| UTI Assessment and Treatment (NHS Pharmacy First) | Free (NHS-funded, where clinically eligible) | Women aged 16 to 64, uncomplicated symptoms only |
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Our pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and whether you have had UTIs before. They will check for any signs that suggest the infection may have spread to the kidneys, review your general health and current medicines, and confirm you fall within the eligible age range and symptom pattern for this service. Based on this assessment, they will explain whether an antibiotic is appropriate and how to take it, along with simple self-care advice to support your recovery.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Most uncomplicated UTIs improve within a couple of days of starting treatment. However, you should seek urgent medical attention if you develop a fever, pain in your back or side, nausea or vomiting, or if your symptoms do not improve or get worse despite treatment, as these can be signs the infection has spread to the kidneys and needs prompt assessment. Further general guidance on urinary tract infections is available from the NHS.
About the NHS Pharmacy First Service
NHS Pharmacy First allows participating community pharmacies in England to assess and manage certain common conditions, including supplying appropriate medicines where the clinical pathway allows. The seven established Pharmacy First clinical pathways cover acute ear infections in children, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in eligible women, with age and eligibility criteria applying to each. You can read more about how the NHS Pharmacy First service works, and the full service specification is published by NHS England.
Why Choose Hubert Figg Pharmacy?
UTI symptoms are uncomfortable and often need quick treatment to stop them getting worse. Our pharmacists are trained to assess and treat uncomplicated UTIs confidently, giving you fast, private access to appropriate treatment without the wait for a GP appointment.
Book Your Appointment
If you think you have a UTI, book an appointment with our pharmacist today, or get in touch if you have any questions first.