Common Ailments

The common ailments service offers patients access to free NHS advice and treatment for common ailments that cannot be managed by self care.

The service offers an alternative to making an appointment with the GP to discuss the following 26 conditions

Acne
Athletes Foot
Backache (acute)
Chickenpox
Cold sores
Colic
Conjunctivitis (bacterial)
Constipation
Dermatitis (dry skin)
Diarrhoea
Dry Eye
Haemorrhoids
Hayfever
Head Lice

Indigestion
Intertrigo
Ingrowing toenail
Mouth Ulcers
Nappy rash
Oral thrush
Ringworm
Scabies
Sore throat
Teething
Threadworm
Vaginal thrush
Verruca

Who is it for?

The service can be used by any patient who lives in Wales or is registered to a Welsh GP practice. The patient must be able to attend the pharmacy in person.

If you are suffering with an eye conditions you should visit a local optometrist (optician) for a free NHS eye examination in the first instance. Opticians that offer a free eyecheck can be found here

Sometimes the pharmacist may need to refer you to your GP or another healthcare professional if they are unable to treat your condition.

Can anyone use the service?

Patients can either be referred by their GP or other healthcare professional or can self-refer to this service. If you are unsure whether you need to use this service or see your doctor, please speak to the pharamcist for advice.

To use this service you must register with the pharmacy of your choice. You can register at any pharmacy and can choose to move to another pharmacy at any time if you need to use the service again.

What to expect

You will have a private consultation with the pharmacist in the pharmacy consultation room, this will usually take between 5 and 10 minutes.

You do not need to make an appointment but you may need to wait to see the pharmacist at busy times.

Your doctor (GP) will be sent information about the advice and treatment you have received.