Services

A minor condition is one where the person suffering does not normally need medical advice and can manage the condition themselves. People can buy medicines to treat their condition or manage their symptoms from their Community Pharmacy.

A self-limiting condition is one that will get better on its own and does not need treatment as it will heal or be cured without medicines.

NHS England has recommended that, wherever possible, people manage their own minor medical conditions which includes buying medicines they require to treat their symptoms instead of being given a prescription. This will free up appointments in GP practices and means NHS money is available where it is most needed to support improvements in other services.

People who are able should self-care for minor and self-limiting conditions. For some people this might not be possible and in these cases the GP or Nurse will continue to manage the person’s conditions.

Community Pharmacy teams are the first place to go to get help managing minor and self-limiting conditions. They have the knowledge and skills to treat many minor illnesses. They can provide a wide range of advice and medicines to help manage your symptoms. They are trained to spot more serious conditions and refer you to other services if needed. You do not need an appointment to speak to the Pharmacy Team.

No, all services including GP Practices, out of hours services, extended access hubs, walk-in-centres, and A&E are following the NHS England guidance and advising people with minor or self-limiting conditions to self-care.

The Minor Ailments Service is available from most Community Pharmacies. The service will allow Community Pharmacies to provide over-the-counter medicines free of charge to people who are currently entitled to free prescriptions and are unable to buy the medicines they need to treat their minor condition.

No. When providing advice and treatment under the Minor Ailment Service, your Pharmacy Team will be following national treatment guidance. They will only be able to supply medicines which we know work for the condition, and which are value for money for the NHS. Your Pharmacy can sell you other medicines if you prefer.

To help people who cannot afford to self-care we have kept a service for use by people who meet the financial vulnerability exception described above.
People who pay for their prescriptions or uses pre-payment certificates are no longer able to use the Minor Ailment Service and should self-care for minor and self-limiting conditions.

If the Pharmacist cannot help you or thinks your condition is more serious, they can refer you to
the best place for more help, for example:
• GP
• Optician
• Dentist
• Walk-in-centre
If the Pharmacist refers you, please follow their advice and visit the healthcare professional
recommended.

People can use the service if:
• They are under 16 or over 60 years old
• They are 16,17 or 18 and in full time education
• They have a valid maternity or medical exemption certificate
• They have a valid prescription exemption certificate issued by Ministry of Defence
• They are named on a current HC2 charges certificate
• They receive Income Support, Income based Job seekers Allowance or Income related
Employment and Support allowance.
• They have a valid Tax Credit exemption certificate
• They receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (including partners)
• They receive Universal Credit and meets the criteria. Find out more at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/UC