Minor Ailment Service

• Convenient access to professional pharmacy advice

• Support for a range of common minor health problems

• No need to wait for a routine GP appointment for many minor conditions

• Appropriate treatment available where applicable

• Practical self-care advice

• Referral or signposting to another healthcare service where necessary

• Professional and confidential support

• Convenient local pharmacy locations

The Minor Ailment Service and NHS Pharmacy First are different services, although both allow community pharmacies to support patients with common health conditions.

NHS Pharmacy First has specific clinical pathways covering seven conditions:

• Sinusitis

• Sore throat

• Earache

• Infected insect bites

• Impetigo

• Shingles

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in eligible women

A locally commissioned Minor Ailment Service may cover additional common health conditions, depending on the service available in your area.

If you're unsure which service is appropriate for your symptoms, our pharmacy team can help direct you to the most suitable option.

The Minor Ailment Service is locally commissioned, which means the conditions covered, eligibility criteria and medicines available may differ depending on the service offered at your chosen PillBox Chemists branch.

Medicines supplied at NHS expense are subject to the relevant local service specification, patient eligibility and an appropriate assessment.

If your condition is not covered by the Minor Ailment Service, our pharmacy team can still advise you on the most appropriate next step. This may include another pharmacy service, an appropriate over-the-counter treatment or referral to another healthcare professional where necessary.

Many common health problems can be managed with advice and treatment from your local pharmacy without needing to wait for a GP appointment.

Our Minor Ailment Service provides professional advice and support for a range of common, non-serious health conditions.

Our pharmacy team will assess your symptoms, provide appropriate self-care advice and, where suitable, recommend or supply treatment. If your symptoms require further assessment or treatment that cannot be provided through the service, we'll advise you on the most appropriate next step.

Pharmacy teams can provide advice and support for a wide range of common minor illnesses and symptoms.

Depending on the service available at your chosen PillBox Chemists branch, these may include:

• Coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms

• Nasal congestion

• Headaches

• Minor aches and pains

• Diarrhoea and vomiting

• Constipation

• Mouth ulcers

• Minor skin problems, rashes and blisters

• Athlete's foot and other minor fungal skin conditions

• Minor eye and eyelid problems

• Ear problems, including earwax or blocked ears

• Bites and stings

• Minor cuts, scratches and grazes

• Vaginal itching or soreness

• Teething

• Other common minor health concerns

The conditions covered can vary depending on the locally commissioned service available at your chosen pharmacy.

If you're unsure whether your condition is covered, our pharmacy team can assess your symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate service or treatment.

During your consultation, our pharmacy team will:

• Ask about your symptoms and how long you've had them

• Review relevant medical history and any medicines you're taking

• Assess whether your condition can be managed through the service

• Provide professional advice and self-care guidance

• Recommend or supply appropriate treatment where available

• Explain how to use any treatment provided

• Advise what to do if your symptoms do not improve

If your symptoms suggest that you need further medical assessment, we'll advise you on the most appropriate healthcare service.

This can depend on the Minor Ailment Service available in your local area and your eligibility.

Where a locally commissioned NHS scheme is available, eligible patients may be able to receive certain specified medicines at NHS expense.

In other circumstances, our pharmacy team may recommend an appropriate over-the-counter medicine which you will need to purchase.

Our pharmacy team will check the service available at your chosen branch and explain your treatment options and any applicable costs before a medicine is supplied.