Minor Ailment Scheme
Minor illnesses
Pharmacies can give treatment advice about a range of common conditions and minor injuries, such as:
-
aches and pains
-
sore throat
-
coughs
-
colds
-
flu
-
earache
-
cystitis
-
skin rashes
-
teething
-
red eye
If you want to buy an over-the-counter medicine, the pharmacist and their team can help you choose.
Antibiotics will not be available over the counter to treat minor conditions.
New Medicine Service
The New Medicine Service is available at pharmacies to give you extra help and advice if you're just starting on a new medicine for one of the following conditions:
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- people who have been given a new blood-thinning medicine
Disposing of old medicines
If your medicine is out of date, unwanted, or some of it is left over after you have stopped taking it, do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.
Other pharmacy services
Other services that may be available at your local pharmacy:
- you may be referred to a pharmacist for advice after contacting NHS 111 or a GP
- emergency contraception
- asthma inhaler use and advice
- chlamydia screening and treatment
- stop smoking service
- blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar testing
- substance misuse service, including needle and syringe exchange schemes
- weight management service
- flu vaccination
Out-of-hours service
Many pharmacies offer extended opening hours in the evenings and at weekends. Some are open until midnight or even later, even on public holidays.