The Common Ailments Service allows eligible patients in Wales to get advice and, where appropriate, free treatment from a community pharmacist for common minor illnesses.

You do not need an appointment. You can visit a participating community pharmacy at a time that suits you.

How does it work?

If you visit a pharmacy with a common ailment, you can ask the pharmacist for advice. The pharmacist may ask if you would like to register for the service.

Registering means the pharmacist may be able to supply the medicine you need free of charge.

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What does the service offer?

You can receive advice and free treatment from your community pharmacist for common minor illnesses and ailments, including:

  • Indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Piles
  • Hay fever
  • Head lice
  • Teething
  • Nappy rash
  • Colic
  • Chickenpox
  • Threadworms
  • Sore throat
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Eye infections
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Cold sores
  • Acne
  • Dry eyes
  • Dermatitis
  • Verruca
  • Back pain
  • Vaginal thrush
  • Oral thrush
  • Scabies
  • Ringworm
  • Intertrigo
  • Ingrowing toenails

Using the service

You may need to show the pharmacist some form of identification before you can use the service. This may depend on whether you are already known to the pharmacist.

The pharmacist will check your details against the NHS Wales Welsh Demographic Service to confirm that you are registered with a GP practice in Wales.

Your consultation will always be with a qualified pharmacist and will take place in a confidential area within the pharmacy.

If the pharmacist agrees that you need a medicine or product to treat your symptoms, they may give it to you free of charge.

Who can use the service?

You can use the service if you live in Wales and are registered with a GP practice in Wales.

If you do not want to register with the service, the pharmacist can still give you advice, but they will not be able to supply free medicine through the service.

When should I still contact my GP?

You may still need to contact your GP if:

  • Your pharmacist suggests that you should
  • You need a medicine that can only be prescribed by your GP
  • You feel a GP appointment is more suitable for your symptoms
Can I use other pharmacies?

You can use other pharmacies to buy medicines or collect prescriptions.

However, you can only use the Common Ailments Service at the community pharmacy where you are registered for the service.

It is safer if one pharmacy has a record of all the medicines you take. This helps the pharmacist check that your medicines are still suitable if your health changes.