NHS and private healthcare services from Wellington Square Pharmacy in Ayr — no GP appointment needed for most.
NHS ScotlandFree
Pharmacy First Scotland
Pharmacy First Scotland is a free NHS service that lets you walk into Wellington Square Pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist about a range of common conditions, without needing to see your GP first. The service is open to anyone registered with a GP in Scotland, as well as people with no fixed address and certain visitors. Our pharmacists can assess you in our private consultation room and, where appropriate, supply medicines on the NHS to treat the condition straight away. Conditions covered include uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 65, impetigo, skin infections such as infected insect bites, hayfever, conjunctivitis and other eye infections, earache, and sore throat. We can also help with everyday minor ailments like coughs, colds, indigestion, threadworm, headlice and mild pain. If your condition is not suitable for treatment in the pharmacy, or if it needs further investigation, we will refer you on to your GP or NHS 24. There is no charge for the consultation or for any medicines supplied under the service.
Do I need an appointment for Pharmacy First Scotland?
No appointment is needed. You can walk in during our opening hours and ask to speak to the pharmacist. If we are busy we may ask you to wait a short while or come back at a quieter time, but we will always see you the same day where we can.
Is Pharmacy First Scotland really free?
Yes. The consultation is free on the NHS, and any medicine supplied as part of the service is also free, because all NHS prescriptions are free in Scotland. You do not need to pay anything, and you do not need a prescription from your GP first.
Can I get treatment for a UTI without seeing my GP?
Yes, if you are a woman aged between 16 and 65 with symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection, our pharmacist can assess you and supply antibiotics on the NHS where appropriate. If your symptoms suggest something more serious, we will refer you to your GP or NHS 24 instead.
What should I bring to the consultation?
Bring a list of any medicines you take, including anything bought over the counter, and any allergies you have. If the consultation is for a child, please bring the child with you. You do not need to bring proof of address or ID, although it can help us register you on the service quickly.
What if my condition is not on the Pharmacy First list?
Speak to our pharmacist anyway. We can often advise on minor ailments, recommend something from the shelves, or signpost you to the right NHS service. If we think you need to see a GP, dentist, optician or NHS 24, we will tell you and help you take the next step.
NHS ScotlandFree
Emergency Contraception
Emergency hormonal contraception, sometimes called the morning-after pill, can be used to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or when another method has failed, such as a missed pill or a split condom. At Wellington Square Pharmacy we provide emergency contraception under an NHS Patient Group Direction, which means our pharmacists can supply it free of charge to eligible patients without a prescription from a GP. The service is confidential and is offered in our private consultation room. The pharmacist will ask a few questions about when unprotected sex took place, your menstrual cycle, any medicines you take and any health conditions, so we can recommend the most suitable option for you. Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken, ideally within 72 hours, although some options can be effective up to 120 hours. We will also talk to you about ongoing contraception, sexual health, and where to get tested for sexually transmitted infections if that is relevant. If we cannot supply emergency contraception ourselves, for example because too much time has passed, we will refer you to a sexual health clinic or your GP. Speak to our pharmacist about whether you're eligible.
Yes. Emergency hormonal contraception is supplied free on the NHS in Scotland through our pharmacist-led service, with no prescription needed. There is no charge for the consultation or for the medicine itself, regardless of your age or whether you live locally.
How quickly do I need to come in?
As soon as possible. Emergency contraception works best within 72 hours of unprotected sex, although some options can still be effective up to 120 hours. The sooner you come in, the more effective it is, so do not wait until the last minute if you can avoid it.
Will the consultation be private and confidential?
Yes. The discussion takes place in our private consultation room, away from the main shop floor. What you tell us is confidential, in line with NHS rules. You do not need a parent or partner with you, and we will not share information with your GP unless you ask us to.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is needed. You can walk in during opening hours and ask to speak to the pharmacist about emergency contraception. We will see you as quickly as we can. If you would prefer to phone ahead so we can have the consultation room ready, you are welcome to do so.
Will the morning-after pill always work?
It is not 100% effective, even when taken correctly. The earlier you take it, the better it works. If your next period is more than seven days late, lighter than usual, or you have any concerns, take a pregnancy test and speak to us, your GP or a sexual health clinic.
NHS ScotlandFree
Stop Smoking — Nicotine Replacement Therapy
If you are ready to stop smoking, Wellington Square Pharmacy offers free NHS support through Scotland's smoking cessation service. Our pharmacists are trained to help you set a quit date, choose the right nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for you, and support you through the first 12 weeks, which is when most people are most likely to slip back. NRT is available as patches, gum, lozenges, mouth spray, inhalators and microtabs, and can be combined to give you the best chance of staying smoke-free. The medicines are supplied free of charge under the NHS, and you do not need a prescription from your GP. We will see you regularly to check how you are getting on, adjust your treatment if cravings are not controlled, and offer practical advice on managing triggers, weight, mood and stress. The service is confidential, judgement-free, and open to anyone aged 12 or over who lives in Scotland or is registered with a Scottish GP. If you have tried to quit before and not managed it, that is normal — most people make several attempts before they stop for good, and we are here to help you keep going.
Yes. The consultations and the nicotine replacement products themselves are free on the NHS in Scotland. There is no charge at any stage of the 12-week programme, and you do not need a prescription from your GP to access it.
Do I need an appointment to start?
We recommend booking a short appointment for your first session so the pharmacist has time to take a proper history and help you choose the right products. Walk in or phone the pharmacy on 01292 610 070 to arrange a time. Follow-up visits are usually quicker.
Which type of NRT is best for me?
It depends on how heavily you smoke, when you tend to crave a cigarette, and what has worked for you before. Patches give a steady background dose, while gum, lozenges, spray and inhalators are useful for sudden cravings. Many people do best on a combination, and we will help you decide.
What if I slip up and have a cigarette?
Do not panic and do not give up on the attempt. One slip does not mean you have failed. Come and speak to us — we will look at what triggered it, adjust your NRT if needed, and help you get back on track. Most successful quitters have had setbacks along the way.
Can I use the service if I vape?
Yes. Vaping is not part of the NHS-supplied products, but our pharmacists can talk you through how vaping fits in alongside or instead of NRT, and how to step down over time. Speak to our pharmacist about whether you're eligible and what combination is right for you.
Private
Private Services
Pharmacist-led private services available without a GP appointment.
Wellington Square Pharmacy offers private health checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar used to screen for and monitor diabetes). These checks are useful if you want a quick snapshot of your cardiovascular and metabolic health, if you are due a review and cannot wait for a GP appointment, or if you have a family history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Blood pressure is measured with a clinical-grade monitor in our consultation room and takes only a few minutes. Cholesterol and HbA1c tests use a small finger-prick blood sample and give results during the appointment. Our pharmacist will explain what each result means, compare it against current UK guideline targets, and talk through any lifestyle changes that could help, such as diet, activity, alcohol and weight. If a result suggests you need further investigation or treatment, we will write you a clear summary to take to your GP. These are private services with a fee, separate from any NHS testing your GP may already offer. Prices and current availability are confirmed at the time of booking. No appointment is needed for blood pressure checks, but we recommend booking ahead for the blood tests.
For most people, the standard cholesterol panel we use does not require fasting. If we recommend a more detailed lipid profile, we will tell you in advance whether to fast and for how long. Always check with the pharmacist when you book so you do not have a wasted trip.
How long do the checks take?
A blood pressure check takes around 10 minutes including the discussion. Cholesterol and HbA1c finger-prick tests usually take 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, including the time it takes for the analyser to produce a result and for the pharmacist to talk you through it.
Can I just walk in?
You are welcome to walk in for a blood pressure check and we will fit you in as soon as we can. For cholesterol or HbA1c, please phone ahead on 01292 610 070 so we can make sure the test kits and consultation room are ready, and you do not have to wait.
What happens if my result is abnormal?
Our pharmacist will explain what the number means and how concerning, or not, it is. If your result suggests a possible health issue, we will give you a written summary and recommend you book in with your GP. In urgent cases we will call NHS 24 or arrange same-day GP contact for you.
How much do the checks cost?
Prices are kept reasonable and are confirmed when you book or walk in, as we may run different combinations of tests at different times. Please phone the pharmacy for the latest price list. The fee covers the test, the equipment, and the time of the pharmacist who talks you through your result.
Private Weight Management Clinic
Our private weight management clinic is a pharmacist-led service for adults who want structured, clinical support to lose weight and keep it off. The service is suitable for people whose body mass index (BMI) suggests medical weight management may help, and who have tried diet and lifestyle changes on their own without success. At your first appointment we take a full health history, measure your weight, height and BMI, check your blood pressure and discuss any medicines and conditions you have. The pharmacist will then talk you through the options that may be appropriate for you, which can include licensed weight loss medicines as well as nutrition, activity and behaviour change support. If a prescription medicine is suitable and safe for you, we can supply it privately under the supervision of our pharmacist. Follow-up appointments check your progress, monitor for side effects, and adjust your treatment if needed. The clinic is private and fees apply for the appointments and any medicines supplied. We will never push a treatment that is not right for you — if a medicine is not suitable, we will say so and help you plan a non-medicine approach instead. Speak to our pharmacist about whether you're eligible.
It is for adults who want clinical support with their weight, particularly if your BMI is in a range where medical management is appropriate. We will assess you carefully — some health conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other medicines you take may mean the clinic is not right for you, and we will tell you honestly if so.
Is the clinic free on the NHS?
No. This is a private service and fees apply for the consultation and any medicines supplied. We will be clear about all costs before you commit. NHS weight management options may also be available through your GP, and we will signpost you to those if they suit you better.
Will I be put on weight loss injections?
Not automatically. Injectable weight loss medicines are one option, but not for everyone. We assess your health, history and goals first. If a medicine is suitable, we will explain how it works, the side effects, and the costs. If it is not suitable, we will plan a non-medicine route instead.
How often will I see the pharmacist?
Usually monthly to start with, then less often once you are stable. Each follow-up reviews your weight, blood pressure, side effects and progress against your goals. The clinic is most effective when you commit to the appointments — turning up matters as much as the medicine.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to book an initial assessment. With your permission we can write to your GP to keep them informed, which is good practice if you are taking other medicines. The choice to involve your GP is yours.
Other NHS & Free Services
Free NHS
NHS Prescriptions
All NHS prescriptions in Scotland are free of charge, regardless of age, income or condition. At Wellington Square Pharmacy we dispense NHS prescriptions issued by GPs, hospital clinicians, dentists and other NHS prescribers across NHS Ayrshire & Arran and the rest of Scotland. You can bring a paper prescription in person, ask your GP surgery to send it electronically, or sign up for our free repeat prescription collection service so we handle the paperwork for you. Most prescriptions are ready the same day, and many can be dispensed while you wait. Our pharmacists check every prescription for safety and suitability and will speak to your prescriber if anything needs clarifying. We can also offer advice on how to take your medicines, manage side effects, and fit them around your daily routine. If you are picking up a prescription on someone else's behalf, please bring some basic details such as their name, address and date of birth. For housebound patients, we offer a free local delivery service so you do not need to come to the pharmacy at all.
Common questions
Do I have to pay for my NHS prescription?
No. NHS prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland. You do not need to fill in an exemption form, show proof of age, or pay any charge at the counter, no matter how many items are on your prescription.
How long does it take to dispense my prescription?
Most prescriptions are ready within 15 to 30 minutes. At busy times, or if we need to order a less common medicine, it may take longer. If you are happy to come back later or the next day, just let us know and we will text or call you when it is ready.
Can someone else collect my prescription for me?
Yes. A family member, friend or carer can collect on your behalf. They should know your name, address and date of birth. For controlled drugs we may ask for ID. If you would prefer not to have to send anyone at all, ask about our free repeat prescription collection and delivery service.
Can you order my repeat prescription from the GP for me?
Yes. If you sign up for our repeat prescription service, we can request your repeats from your GP surgery, collect them when they are ready, and have them dispensed for you to pick up or have delivered. Speak to our team for a simple registration form.
What if my regular medicine is out of stock?
UK-wide medicine shortages do happen from time to time. If we cannot get your usual brand, we will try suitable alternatives, contact your GP for a replacement, or order it in as soon as the supplier has stock. We will keep you informed and never leave you without advice on what to do.
Free
Multi Compartment Compliance Aids
Multi compartment compliance aids — also called dosette boxes, MDS trays or blister packs — are weekly trays divided into days of the week and times of day. Your medicines are dispensed into the right compartments, so you can see at a glance whether you have taken your dose. They can be a real help if you take several medicines, find packets confusing, look after a relative, or have memory or dexterity problems that make popping pills out of strips tricky. At Wellington Square Pharmacy we have spaces available for new compliance aid patients. After you ask about the service, our pharmacist will review all your medicines, including anything bought over the counter, and check whether a tray is genuinely the safest option for you. In some cases other approaches, such as a simple medication reminder chart or original packs with reminders, work better. If a tray is right for you, we will set up the service, liaise with your GP if needed, and have your tray ready for the same time each week. The service is provided on request and there may or may not be a fee depending on circumstances. Speak to our pharmacy team about availability and how it would work for you.
Common questions
Do I have to pay for a dosette box?
It depends. The medicines themselves are free on the NHS in Scotland. A fee may apply for the tray and the time involved in preparing it, particularly if it is a lifestyle preference rather than a clinical need. Speak to our team and we will be upfront about any costs before you commit.
How do I sign up for the service?
Pop in or phone the pharmacy on 01292 610 070 and ask about a compliance aid. We will arrange a short appointment to review all your medicines, check the tray is the safest option for you, and explain how collection or delivery would work. There is no obligation at the assessment stage.
Can my carer or family member pick up the tray?
Yes. Many of our compliance aid patients have family or carers who collect the tray for them, and we also offer free local delivery if that suits you better. Just let us know who will be picking up and we will keep things organised.
What if my medicines change in the middle of the week?
Just contact us as soon as you know. We will adjust the tray, prepare a fresh one if needed, and make sure you do not take an old dose by mistake. It is really important you tell us about any changes from the GP, hospital, or anything you stop or start yourself.
Is a compliance aid right for everyone?
No. For some people they are essential; for others they are not the safest option, especially with certain medicines that should not be taken out of their original packaging. Our pharmacist will assess you honestly and recommend the best system for you, even if that means not using a tray.
Free NHS
NHS Gluten Free Service
If you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease by a doctor, you are entitled to a regular supply of gluten-free staple foods on the NHS in Scotland through the Gluten Free Food Service. Wellington Square Pharmacy is registered to provide this service, which means once you are signed up you can order your gluten-free bread, flour, pasta and other staples through us each month, free of charge. To register, your GP or specialist needs to confirm your coeliac disease diagnosis and refer you onto the scheme. Once you are registered, our team will help you choose from the approved range of products, place your monthly order, and let you know when it is ready to collect or be delivered. The amount you receive is based on national guidance and your age, and is intended to support, not replace, a balanced gluten-free diet. The service is run in partnership with NHS Scotland and the products and the dispensing are completely free to you. If you think you have coeliac disease but have not been diagnosed yet, do not start a gluten-free diet on your own — speak to your GP first, because going gluten-free before testing makes the diagnosis much harder.
Common questions
Who can use the NHS gluten-free service?
It is for adults and children in Scotland with a confirmed medical diagnosis of coeliac disease, made by a GP or specialist. It is not available for non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, or self-diagnosed intolerance. If you are not sure where you stand, speak to your GP first.
Is the gluten-free food really free?
Yes. Once you are registered on the Gluten Free Food Service in Scotland, the staple products you receive each month are free of charge. There is no prescription charge in Scotland, and no fee for the pharmacy service that supplies them.
How do I register with the service?
Speak to our team and we will help you start the process. Your GP will need to confirm your coeliac diagnosis and add you to the service. Once that is done, we can begin supplying your monthly order. Registration only needs to happen once, not every month.
What products can I order?
The service covers a national list of staple gluten-free products, mostly bread, flour, pasta and similar everyday items. The list is reviewed by NHS Scotland and may change from time to time. We will show you what is available and help you build a monthly order that suits your household.
Can I have my gluten-free order delivered?
Yes. If you are housebound or live within our delivery area in Ayr and South Ayrshire, we can include your gluten-free order with our free local delivery service. Just let us know when you sign up and we will arrange a regular delivery slot that suits you.
Free
Prescription Collection Service
Our free prescription collection service saves you a trip to the GP surgery. Once you sign up, we will collect your prescription directly from your local Ayr GP practice on your behalf, dispense it at the pharmacy, and have it ready for you to pick up or have delivered. This is particularly helpful if you take regular repeat medicines, work full-time, look after children, are housebound, or simply find getting to the surgery a hassle. To register, ask our team for a short consent form. We need your permission to collect prescriptions in your name, and we will let your GP surgery know that we are doing so. Once you are signed up, you can either order your repeats yourself in the usual way (online, by phone or by dropping the slip at the surgery) or, in many cases, ask us to manage the ordering for you as well. We will text or call you when your prescription is ready, so you do not need to keep checking. The service is completely free and is open to anyone registered with a GP within our local catchment in Ayr and South Ayrshire. If you also want the prescription delivered, just ask, and our delivery driver will bring it to your door.
Common questions
How do I sign up for prescription collection?
Pop in to the pharmacy or phone us on 01292 610 070 and ask for a collection consent form. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete. Once we have your consent, we let your GP know and start collecting your prescriptions for you from the next order onwards.
Is there a charge for collection?
No. The collection service is completely free, and so are the NHS prescriptions themselves in Scotland. There is no fee at any stage, whether you collect from the pharmacy yourself or also ask us to deliver.
Will you order my repeat prescription as well?
In many cases, yes. If you would like us to manage the ordering, just tell our team and we will arrange it with your GP surgery. Some practices prefer patients to order their own repeats — if that is the case at your surgery, we will let you know and explain how to do it.
How will I know when my prescription is ready?
We will text or phone you as soon as it is dispensed and ready to collect. If we have not heard from your surgery within a few days of when we expected the prescription, we will chase it up, so you do not need to keep checking yourself.
Which GP surgeries do you collect from?
We collect from local GP practices across Ayr and South Ayrshire. If you are not sure whether your surgery is on our route, just ask. In almost all cases we can make it work, and if collection from a particular surgery is not practical, we will tell you straight away.
Free
Medication Delivery Service
Wellington Square Pharmacy offers a free medication delivery service across Ayr and South Ayrshire. We bring your dispensed prescription to your door, so you do not need to come into the pharmacy at all. The service is particularly useful if you are housebound, recovering from illness or surgery, looking after young children, working long hours, or simply find getting out difficult. To use the service, ask our team to add you to our delivery list and tell us your address and any access notes (such as a safe place, intercom code or preferred time). We deliver on regular days each week and will let you know when to expect us. Our drivers carry photographic ID and will hand the medicine to you, or to a named person you have nominated. For controlled drugs and certain other medicines we may need to see ID and ask you to sign for the package — this is to keep your medicines safe, not to make life difficult. There is no charge for the delivery, no minimum order, and no postcode restrictions within our local catchment. If you live just outside the area, speak to our team and we will see what we can do. The service is for our regular patients and forms part of our commitment to making pharmacy care as easy as possible.
Common questions
Do I have to pay for delivery?
No. Delivery is completely free, and so are the NHS prescriptions themselves in Scotland. There is no minimum order and no charge at the door. The service is funded by the pharmacy as part of our care for our regular patients in Ayr and South Ayrshire.
When will my medicine be delivered?
We run regular delivery rounds across Ayr and South Ayrshire on set days. When we add you to the list we will let you know which day to expect us, and we can usually give you a rough time window. If you need it sooner, ask us — we will always try to help where we can.
What if I'm not at home when you deliver?
Tell us in advance if you would like the medicine left with a neighbour, in a safe place, or returned to the pharmacy for another day. For controlled drugs we cannot leave the medicine without seeing you or your nominated representative, so we will arrange another time.
Can you deliver to a relative I'm caring for?
Yes. With their consent, we can deliver to a family member you are caring for, including in care homes and sheltered housing within our area. Speak to our team and we will set things up so the delivery goes to the right person at the right time.
Do you deliver outside Ayr?
Our regular delivery area covers Ayr and the surrounding parts of South Ayrshire. If you live just outside the area, speak to our team — we may still be able to help, particularly for housebound patients, although we cannot guarantee it the way we can for our core area.
Free NHS
NHS Flu Vaccination
Each autumn, NHS Scotland runs a free flu vaccination programme for groups at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Wellington Square Pharmacy takes part in the programme and can vaccinate eligible adults during flu season, usually from late September through to the spring. Eligible groups typically include people aged 65 and over, adults under 65 with certain long-term health conditions (such as heart, lung, liver, kidney or neurological conditions, diabetes, or a weakened immune system), pregnant women, unpaid carers, and frontline health and social care workers. The exact eligibility list is set by NHS Scotland each year and may change, so it is worth checking before you come in. The vaccination is free if you are in an eligible group. The vaccine is given as a quick injection into the upper arm by our trained pharmacist, in our private consultation room. The whole appointment takes around 10 minutes, and side effects (if any) are usually mild — a sore arm, mild tiredness, or a slight temperature for a day or so. If you are not eligible for the NHS flu vaccine but would still like one, ask our team about the private flu vaccination service. Speak to our pharmacist about whether you're eligible.
Common questions
Am I eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine?
Eligibility is set each year by NHS Scotland and usually includes people aged 65 and over, adults with certain long-term conditions, pregnant women, unpaid carers, and health and social care staff. If you are not sure, phone us on 01292 610 070 or check the NHS Inform website for this season's full list.
Do I need an appointment?
For most adults we can usually offer a walk-in slot during the flu season, but it is best to phone ahead so we can have the consultation room ready and minimise your wait. Some weeks are busier than others, so booking saves you a wasted trip if we are at capacity.
Does it cost anything?
If you are in an NHS eligible group, the vaccination is completely free. If you are not eligible but still want a flu jab, we may be able to offer a private flu vaccine for a fee. Ask our team and we will tell you which applies to you and the cost if relevant.
Will the flu jab give me the flu?
No. The flu vaccine used in adults does not contain live flu virus, so it cannot give you flu. Some people feel a bit tired or have a sore arm for a day or two afterwards, but that is the immune system responding normally — it is not flu, and it is not a sign anything is wrong.
Can I have my flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?
In some cases yes, depending on what NHS Scotland is offering that season. Pharmacy involvement in COVID-19 vaccination varies year to year. If you would like both, ask our team and we will tell you whether we can do them at the same visit or where else you can get the COVID vaccine.
Not sure what you need?
Pop in and speak to our pharmacist, or give us a call — we're always happy to help.
