Minor Ailments

 

The 'Minor Ailments Scheme', is a free service provided by MediCare and other community pharmacies which allows for a free consultation and prescription treatment for a range of health conditions.

Pharmacists can recognise many common health complaints and can give advice and where appropriate, medicines that will help to clear up the problem. If your problem is more serious and needs the attention of a GP, your pharmacist will refer you to them when appropriate.

Ailments covered by the service include;

  • Acne
  • Athletes Foot
  • Dhobie Itch
  • Diarrhoea
  • Ear Wax
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Head Lice
  • Mouth Ulcers
  • Oral Thrush
  • Scabies
  • Threadworms
  • Vaginal Thrush
  • Verruca

 

Do you need to see a doctor?

No because you can get advice and/or appropriate treatment form your community pharmacist

 

Why go to your pharmacist first?

  • Pharmacists can offer advice and treatment for a wide range of minor ailments
  • Treatments provided as part of the Minor Ailment Service are free of charge
  • You will receive quick, expert advice without the need to see your GP
  • GPs will be able to spend more time focusing on patients with more complex medical needs

 Can you go to any pharmacy?

Pharmacists offering the Minor Ailments Service will display and arrow and a cross sign like the one above

 

What will the pharmacist ask?

The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, your medical history and other medicines that you take.

This will help them make an appropriate recommendation for treatment. In some cases the pharmacist may need to refer you to another healthcare professional such as your GP

 

What should you do if your symptoms persist?

Seek further advice form your local MediCare Pharmacist or your GP