The Minor Ailments Scheme has been renamed "Pharmacy First for Minor Conditions".
Please see poster below:
Pharmacy-First-Winter-Pressures-Poster-A4-Poster-High-Res.pdf
Pharmacists can help recognise and treat many common illnesses. They can give advice and where appropriate, recommend over-the-counter medicines that could help clear up the problem.
If they think you need to see a GP for your illness, they will advise you to do that.
Visiting your pharmacy about common health problems frees up time for GPs and A&E departments, which are already stretched, especially during the winter months.
The "Pharmacy First for Minor Conditions" cannot treat:
- Pregnant patients
- Those who have tried an OTC treatment which have not worked
- Immunocompromised patients
What minor illnesses are covered?
Illnesses supported within the scheme may differ between locations. Some illnesses covered include:
- Acne Vulgaris
- Athlete's foot
- Diarrhoea
- Haemorrhoids
- Head lice
- Groin area infection
- Threadworms
- Vaginal Thrush
- Ear wax
- Mouth Ulcers
- Oral Thrush
- Verrucae
- Scabies
Please see attached Minor Ailments Scheme leaflet for further information (correct as of 10/01/22):
Minor Ailments Scheme Information.TIF
Local pharmacies also provide a free smoking cessation service with nicotine replacement therapy and support.