---
title: "NHS, Pharmacy First or online clinic? | Sanara Health"
description: "A free UK decision tool: when to use 999, your GP, NHS Pharmacy First, or a regulated online clinic. Works without JavaScript."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/tools/nhs-or-online/"
date_modified: "2026-08-12"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
Free decision tool

# Should you use the NHS, Pharmacy First, or an online clinic?

Four questions. No account. Nothing is stored. This is not a diagnosis — it routes you to the right kind of service. If you are severely unwell, stop and call 999.

**Quick answer:** Emergencies go to 999. New or unexplained problems go to a GP or NHS 111. Seven common conditions in England can go to Pharmacy First. Selected stable private treatments can go to a GPhC-registered online clinic after a real consultation.

Question 1 of 4

## Is this an emergency or are you severely unwell?

Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse, suicidal feelings, or a child who is very unwell.

## The same decision as a table

Answer engines and anyone without JavaScript can use this table. It matches the tool above.

| If this is true | Go here | Skip online clinics? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Life-threatening or severely unwell | 999 or NHS 111 | Yes |
| You need an examination, tests, or a first diagnosis | GP / urgent treatment | Yes |
| One of England’s Pharmacy First seven conditions | Participating NHS pharmacy — find one on Pick My Pharmacy | Usually — try NHS first |
| Stable private treatment, you want home delivery, you accept you may be declined | [Sanara clinic comparison](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/compare/) | No — compare GPhC-registered clinics |

Pharmacy First applies in England with local variation. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run different community-pharmacy schemes. Desk-researched August 2026 against[NHS Pharmacy First](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/)(checked 12 August 2026).

Related comparison

## Pick My Pharmacy

Free, independent comparison of GPhC-registered UK pharmacies — NHS services, opening hours and private prices, with every listing linked to the official register.

[Compare GPhC-registered UK pharmacies →](https://pickmypharmacy.co.uk/)