Pharmacists

Common Ailments Scheme

Did you know that some of the work traditionally done by GPs is now done by pharmacists instead? This includes offering prescription-only medication for a number of minor ailments without the need to see a doctor first. You can also get over-the-counter treatments for a wide number of everyday conditions - and you won't have to pay for them.

It's called the Common Ailments Scheme. You must register with the pharmacy to use the scheme, but the process only takes a few minutes.

Consultations are carried out in a private room and if the pharmacist decides you still need to see a doctor they will refer you.

For more information on the Common Ailments Scheme, please follow this link.

Common ailments covered by the scheme:

Acne

Athletes' foot

Backache (acute)

Chickenpox

Cold sores

Colic

Conjunctivitis (bacterial)

Constipation

Dermatitis (acute)

Diarrhoea

Dry eye

Haemorrhoids

Hayfever

Head lice

Indigestion/reflux

Ingrowing toenail

Intertrigo/ringworm

Mouth ulcers

Nappy rash

Oral thrush

Scabies

Sore throat/tonsillitis

Teething

Threadworm

Vaginal thrush

Verruca

Sore Throat Scheme

Please note this scheme is currently paused because of Covid.

From 1st December 2019, 20 local pharmacies are also offering a see and treat service for patients over the age of six with sore throats. They offer a while-you-wait swab test to determine if the sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection. If it is, you can be offered antibiotics directly by the pharmacist, without needing to get a prescription from a GP. To find out more, please click on this link to see the list of pharmacists participating in the see and treat sore throat service.