Pharmacists

A pharmacist is pictured with two pharmacy assistants.

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.

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.