Community pharmacies
Common Ailments Scheme
Did you know that some of the work traditionally done by GPs is now done by pharmacists instead? This includes offering prescription-only medication for a number of minor ailments without the need to see a doctor first. You can also get advice or over-the-counter treatments for a wide number of everyday conditions - and you won't have to pay for them.
It's called the Common Ailments Scheme. You must register with the pharmacy to use the scheme, but the process only takes a few minutes.
Consultations are carried out in a private room and if the pharmacist decides you still need to see a doctor they will refer you.
For more information on the Common Ailments Scheme, please follow this link.
Common ailments covered by the scheme:
Acne
Allergic rhinitis
Athletes' foot
Backache (acute)
Chickenpox
Cold sores
Colic
Conjunctivitis (bacterial)
Constipation
Dry skin
Diarrhoea
Dry eye
Haemorrhoids
Head lice
Indigestion/reflux
Ingrowing toenail
Intertrigo
Mouth ulcers
Nappy rash
Oral thrush
Ringworm
Scabies
Sore throat/tonsillitis
Teething
Threadworm
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Vaginal thrush
Warts and verrucas
Sore Throat Scheme
All community pharmacies across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot provide the sore throat test and treat service.
People suffering with a sore throat can be assessed and treated at a community pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment.
It is managed under the Common Ailments Service and is available to everyone over five years of age.
During the assessment, the pharmacist will decide whether it is appropriate to swab your throat and, if so, the result will determine if the sore throat is due to a bacterial infection.
Once the throat swab test has been carried out, you will only have to wait a few moments to receive the result.
Depending on the result and your symptoms, treatment may be offered by the pharmacist, without needing to get a prescription from a GP, or self-care advice will be provided.
UTI service
Women with a urinary tract infection can now get free pain relief, if needed, at all community pharmacies in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.
The service is available to most women aged between 16 to 64, who have symptoms of a UTI.
These can include pain or a burning sensation when peeing, needing to pee more often than usual, needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual and lower tummy discomfort, among other symptoms.
It is provided as part of the Common Ailments Service, meaning you must register with the pharmacy to access it, which only takes a few minutes.
Pharmacists will complete a clinical assessment in a private room to determine whether treatment is needed. In some cases, a urine test may be required.
If treatment is required, the pharmacist can provide this without the patient having to see a GP. If they decide you still need to see a doctor, they will refer you.
They can also offer self-care advice and information on what to do should symptoms worsen.
Emergency Contraception
Your local pharmacy is able to provide confidential access to NHS contraceptive services, without the need for an appointment. The services available include the provision of emergency contraception, bridging contraception and sexual health advice. These services are available free of charge if supply is deemed appropriate following a consultation with an accredited pharmacist.
Bridging contraception allows an accredited pharmacist to offer a three-month supply of a contraceptive pill, to bridge the gap between emergency contraception and accessing a longer-term contraception. This helps to allow patients to research and seek advice on their options and the choices for long-term contraception.
Emergency Medicine Supply
The Emergency Medicine Supply Service provides the supply of urgently required repeat medication.
If you cannot obtain a repeat prescription and cannot wait until your next prescription is due, or your GP is open, or if you are out of the area, you can visit your local pharmacy who may be able to supply you with your regular repeat prescription medication in emergency circumstances.
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.