Pharmacy services

Common Ailment Service Wales

A woman at home.

Head into your local pharmacy for support for 27 common conditions

You don't have to wait for health advice and support. Skip the queues at your GP with the Common Ailment Service.

Get a quick, tailored assessment of your minor health concerns at your local pharmacy

The Common Ailment Service is designed to help people living in Wales access health care from their pharmacist without waiting for a GP appointment first. The in-store-only service will give you access to support and treatment whenever you need it.

A woman on the phone.
What conditions can I get help with using the Common Ailment Service?

The Common Ailment Service helps you get NHS advice and treatment from your pharmacist for the following conditions:


Acne Athlete's foot Back pain
Chickenpox Cold sores Colic
Conjunctivitis Constipation Diarrhoea
Dry eyes Dermatitis and dry skin Haemorrhoids (piles)
Hay fever Hay fever Indigestion and acid reflux
Mouth ulcers Nappy rash Oral thrush
Ringworm Scabies Sore throat and tonsilitis
Teething Threadworms Vaginal thrush
Warts and verrucas Urinary tract infections

If you think you have one of these conditions, you can have a confidential consultation with a pharmacist at your local pharmacy, and they will help you find a suitable treatment. If necessary, your pharmacist can make an onward referral to another medical professional.

To make use of this service, you have to be in Wales for at least 24 hours after your pharmacy consultation.

Who can access the Common Ailment Service?

You can access the Common Ailment Service if you are staying in Wales and have spoken to a pharmacist within the country in the last 24 hours.

If you don't have one of the conditions covered by the service, you can still talk to your local pharmacist about your health concerns. They will be able to offer you health advice and refer you to relevant support like your GP surgery or dentist.

How does the Common Ailment Service?

Pop into your local pharmacy

Head into your nearest pharmacy to get started. If you ask a memeber of our team about the Common Ailment Service, they'll be able to help.

Talk to a pharmacist

You'll have a confidential conversation with one of our pharmacists about your health. It should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes.

Start to address your symptoms

Depending on your symptoms, you might be prescribed a medicine or be asked to self-treat at home. Your pharmacist will guide you through the best approaches for managing your health.

Can I self-refer for the Common Ailment Service?

Yes. You can refer yourself for the Common Ailment Service. Your GP may also refer you.

If you aren't sure of whether to go to your doctor's surgery or pharmacy first, you should speak to your local pharmacist as they will be able to let you know what services might be relevant to your health needs.

Will I have to wait to see a pharmacist?

Even though you don't need an appointment to access the Common Ailment Service, you may need to wait during busy periods.

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