The Common Ailment service is for patients who need NHS advice and treatment for a number of common conditions.
Who can access the Common Ailments Service?
Any patient who is registered to a Welsh GP is eligible, the only exclusions are:
- Temporary residents whose usual address is not in Wales
- Care Home residents
What conditions are covered?
Pharmacists can offer advice and/or treatment for 27 agreed conditions. These are:
Acne Back ache (acute) Head lice
Diarrhoea* Ringworm Sore throat/tonsillitis
Nappy rash Chickenpox Baby colic*
Athletes Foot Hayfever Indigestion/reflux
Dry Eye Scabies Teething
Oral thrush Cold sores Conjunctivitis
Threadworm Constipation Ingrowing toenail*
Warts/Verruca Vaginal thrush Mouth ulcers
*there are no evidence based NHS treatments available for these conditions. Pharmacists will provide advice on self care.
What about conditions not included (e.g. cough, cold, rash)?
Patients suffering with other conditions can seek advice from the pharmacist and the option to buy medicines over the counter. If a pharmacist feels a patient needs to be seen by the GP they will advise them.
For some conditions treatment cannot be offered due to
- Age
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Clinical exclusions
Patients who require advice relating to eye conditions should contact the Welsh Eye Care Service delivered by community opticians see Welsh Eye Care Service for more information.