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Think Pharmacy - Minor Ailments Scheme
Pharmacists can deal with a lot of minor conditions without you needing a GP appointment. Walk into any participating pharmacy and they'll see you straight away.
About this service
For many common minor ailments, your local pharmacist can help you faster than a GP. Pharmacy First means a pharmacist can treat seven specific conditions for free, supplying prescription medication where needed. The wider Minor Ailments Scheme covers everyday illnesses on top.
Pharmacy First conditions
A pharmacist can assess and treat these, and supply prescription medicine where needed, free on the NHS:
- Earache (acute otitis media) - children aged 1 to 17
- Impetigo - aged 1 year and over
- Infected insect bites - aged 1 year and over
- Shingles - aged 18 and over
- Sinusitis - aged 12 and over
- Sore throat - aged 5 and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections - women aged 16 to 64
Minor Ailments Scheme
Illnesses supported within the scheme may differ between locations. Some illnesses covered include:
- Back-ache, sprains and strains
- Colds
- Conjunctivitis
- Constipation
- Coughs
- Diarrhoea
- Earache
- Haemorrhoids
- Hay fever
- Head lice
- Headache and fever
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Insect bites and stings
- Mild eczema and dermatitis
- Minor fungal skin infections
- Mouth ulcers
- Nappy rash
- Sore throat
- Teething
- Threadworm
- Thrush
How to access this
Walk into any participating pharmacy. They'll see you privately, assess your condition, and either treat you or refer you back to the surgery if needed. No appointment needed.