1. Book online or pop in for an assessment
One of our IP Pharmacists will complete an assessment of your symptoms in a private consultation room, and check for any signs that may require urgent medical attention.
Pharmacy services
Independent Prescribing Service in Wales
Access FREE same-day treatment for common health conditions via Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS)*
Need more than just over-the-counter medicine? Through the NHS Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS)1, you can get help with a wide range of common health conditions from a specially-trained Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, free of charge. They can assess your symptoms, offer clinical advice, and – where appropriate – prescribe treatment without you having to book a GP appointment.
The service is available in selected Well pharmacies in Wales, with the option of both bookable appointments and walk-ins (subject to eligibility, suitability and pharmacist availability).
What is the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS)?
The Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS) is an NHS Wales service delivered by an Independent Prescribing (sometimes shortened to “IP”) Pharmacist who has completed additional clinical training.
An IP Pharmacist can assess certain common health conditions in the privacy of a consultation room and legally prescribe within their specialised health areas. This can help you access treatment beyond that of typical over-the-counter medications without needing to see a GP.
If for any reason the IP Pharmacist decides that the service is not suitable for your condition, they will explain next steps and direct you to the appropriate healthcare service.
“Your local pharmacy can help with much more than you might realise. Our prescribing pharmacists can assess a range of common health concerns and - where appropriate - provide the treatment you need. If the IP Pharmacist decides that the service isn’t suitable for your condition, they’ll help you understand what to do next.”
Last reviewed: October 2026
Next review: October 2029
Reviewed by: Emma Kilbride, IP Pharmacist
How the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service works in Wales
2. Expert advice tailored to you
Based on your symptoms and their severity, the IP Pharmacist will provide advice and recommend treatment where appropriate.
3. Prescription & next steps
If suitable, the IP Pharmacist will prescribe you the appropriate treatment along with instructions for how to take it, and what to do if your symptoms persist. A follow-up consultation can also be arranged to monitor progress.
Conditions covered by the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service in Wales:**
The scope of conditions covered by the service may vary depending on the specific IP Pharmacist treating you, but common eligible conditions include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Sore throats and tonsilitis
- Sinus infections
- Hay fever and allergic rhinitis
- Oral thrush
- Impetigo and fungal skin infections
- Eczema
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Shingles
- Hives (urticaria)
- Insect bites and stings
- Conjunctivitis
- Migraines
- Constipation
- Gout flare-ups
**Subject to eligibility, suitability and availability of a prescribing pharmacist and at the professional discretion of the pharmacist.
Common Ailment Service at Well
If your local Well doesn’t offer PIPS or you don’t require clinical diagnosis, you may still be able to get treatment via the NHS Wales Common Ailments Service. The service allows you to get support and potential treatment for a selected range of common illnesses from your local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment. You can also use this service if you’re just visiting Wales, providing you have spoken to a pharmacist within the country in the last 24 hours.
FAQs
The service is available via participating pharmacies to eligible patients who are registered with or temporarily residing in Wales.
Yes, the service is part of NHS Wales and is free for eligible patients.
You can if you like, but it isn’t necessary, as we do accept walk-ins. This is particularly handy for getting advice and treatment at your convenience.
No. An IP Pharmacist will only prescribe treatment where clinically appropriate. If this isn’t the case for your condition, then they may recommend a different treatment, or signpost you to a different service.
No. An IP Pharmacist prescribes within their own area of clinical competence, so the conditions they can assess and treat may vary.
What’s the difference between the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service and the Common Ailments Service (CAS)?
Both services can help you access NHS care for common health conditions in the convenience of a pharmacy setting, but they work in slightly different ways. The Common Ailments Service provides advice and treatment for a defined range of common conditions, while the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service is delivered by a specially-trained pharmacist prescriber who can provide a clinical assessment of your symptoms and prescribe within their specialised health area. A pharmacist can help you understand which service is right for you if you’re unsure.
If you’re experiencing symptoms for one of the eligible conditions, PIPS helps you access NHS care, clinical assessment and – where appropriate – treatment, from the convenience of a local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment.
1. Independent Prescribers Service, NHS Wales. Accessed 19 October 2026.
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