Minor & Common Ailment

There are many conditions and injuries that don't require a GP appointment. These conditions and injuries can be treat at home by yourself or if you need further information or treatment, you can see you local pharmacist for free advice.

Do you know about a new NHS scheme which provides over-the-counter and prescription  medicines free of charge for a specific range of common ailments? Most minor illnesses and common ailments, such as coughs and colds, ear aches, conjunctivitis etc can be treated effectively over the counter.

Many of the minor conditions you don’t need to see a doctor for, but don’t want to pay for, can now be dealt with by your local pharmacy at no cost to you. Simply phone your local pharmacy and arrange a review with a prescriber, who will be able to advise and dispense the most appropriate medication for your ailment. 

No cost to the patient!

Highly trained pharmacists have been empowered to provide services that are saving patients time and money, as well as taking pressure off overworked GPs. Pharmacies can now prescribe medication over the counter without the need for a GP appointment. 

They include flu vaccinations, stop smoking programmes, emergency contraception, and medicine reviews. One of the most popular, though, is the Common Ailments Scheme, which allows patients to be treated free of charge by their pharmacist for 26 minor ailments from acne and athlete’s foot to mouth ulcers and verrucae.

The Common Ailments Scheme is unable to prescribe antibiotics without a prescription approved by a GP.  If you require antibiotics eg. urine/skin infection you will be redirected to your GP surgery. 

The Common Ailments Service covers free treatment for 26 ailments including: