Minor Illness

Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service:

What is the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service?

Many patients are unaware that there is free health advice and support from local community pharmacies without the need to speak to a GP or practice nurse.

They will assess your condition within a community pharmacy in a private consultation room, and prescribe the necessary medication, without the need for you to make an appointment with a GP.

The pharmacies that offer this service can be found on the NHS 111 Wales website by following this link and selecting ‘Independent Prescribing for Common Ailments and Contraception’ from the filter column.

What sort of a treatment does the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service provide?

These independent prescribers can now offer advice and treatment for the following conditions:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• Skin infections - impetigo, rash, Acne
• Ear infections 
• Sinusitis and sinus pain
• Sore throat and tonsillitis
• Eczema/ dermatitis
• Shingles
• Upper Respiratory Tract - Cough, Oral Thrush 

You will require an appointment with an Independent Prescriber at your local pharmacy for an assessment and treatment. Simply call them to arrange an appointment for this service, which is usually offered weekdays.

Pharmacists are able ro prescribe antibiotics if they deem it appreciate without a consulation from a clinician.

Common Ailment Scheme

 What is the Common Ailment Scheme?

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.

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. 

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: