Help for common illnesses

If you want help dealing with a common illness such as a cold, cough or diarrhoea, you may be able to use the free NHS Minor Ailment Scheme at selected pharmacies. Your local pharmacist will be able to offer advice and may be able to offer you medicines for a minor illness without you having to book an appointment to see your GP.

How it works

• Talk to a pharmacist about your illness and they will offer advice

• If a medicine is needed, the pharmacist will check your eligibility and whether the illness is covered by the scheme

• A suitable medicine may be offered to you*

What minor illnesses are covered?

• Back-ache, sprains and strains

• Colds

• Conjunctivitis

• Constipation

• Coughs

• Diarrhoea

• Earache

• Haemorrhoids

• Hay fever

• Head lice

• Headache and fever

• Heartburn and indigestion

• Insect bites and stings

• Mild eczema and dermatitis

• Minor fungal skin infections

• Mouth ulcers

• Nappy rash

• Sore throat

• Teething

• Threadworm

• Thrush

• Telephone Advice

You may ring the doctor for telephone advice. If the doctor is busy you may be asked to ring back or leave a number for the doctor to contact you.