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Our Lady of the Angels RC Primary School
Working together, playing together, praying togetherCyd weithio, cyd chwarae, cyd weddio
Common Ailments Service
We’re pleased to share that a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is now available for the Common Ailments Service (CAS).
This NHS service allows local pharmacies to provide free advice and treatment for everyday health problems - without needing a GP appointment. From head lice to athlete’s foot, sore throats to urinary tract infections (UTIs), trained pharmacists can:
- Assess symptoms
- Offer confidential guidance
- Provide treatment where appropriate
The service helps families access timely care while reducing pressure on GP practices.
Common Ailments Service (CAS) – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Common Ailments Service?
The Common Ailments Service (CAS) is an NHS funded service available at all community pharmacies in Wales. It allows you to get free advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses, without needing to see your GP.
2. Who can use the service?
You can use the service if you live, or are registered with a GP Practice in Wales. You may need to show the Pharmacist some form of identification before you can register for the service, but this will depend on whether you are known to the Pharmacist.
3. How do I access the service?
Simply visit your local pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist about the Common Ailments Service. A short, confidential consultation will be arranged. The Pharmacist will then advise you on the best way to manage your condition.
4. What conditions are covered?
The service covers a range of common conditions, including:
Acne, Athlete's Foot, Backache, Chickenpox, Conjunctivitis, Constipation, Dry Eyes, Dry Skin, Haemorrhoids, Hayfever, Head Lice, Indigestion, Intertrigo, Mouth Ulcers, Nappy Rash, Oral Thrush, Ringworm/Intertrigo, Scabies, Sore Throat, Teething, Threadworms, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (in women aged 16–64), Vaginal Thrush and Warts or Verrucas.
If your condition isn’t covered, the Pharmacist can still give you advice or suggest where to get further help.
5. Is there a charge for a consultation?
There’s no charge for the consultation.
6. Will I need to pay for the medicine?
No. If you register for the common ailments scheme and the Pharmacist decides a medicine is needed, the NHS will pay for the medicine through the Common Ailments Service.
7. Do I need to make an appointment?
No, you can walk into any participating pharmacy. However, if the pharmacy is busy, you may be asked to wait or return later for your consultation.
8. Will my GP be informed?
Yes, you must give your permission for the Pharmacist to send details of your consultation to your GP so your medical records stay up to date.
9. Can I use the service for my child?
Yes, parents or guardians can use the service on behalf of their children for suitable conditions. The Pharmacist will advise whether the service is appropriate for your child’s age and symptoms. In the majority of cases, the child will need to attend the pharmacy.
10. Can I use the service for more than one condition?
Yes. You can use the Common Ailments Service for any of the conditions covered by the scheme, whenever you need to.
Each time you visit the pharmacy, the pharmacist will carry out a short consultation about your current condition and provide advice or treatment if appropriate.
There are limits on how many times you can use the service for some conditions. Your Pharmacist will be able to provide full details.
11. Can I use the service at different Pharmacies?
Yes. Once you have registered for the Common Ailments Service, your details are stored securely and can be accessed by all pharmacies in Wales.
This means you can use the service at any pharmacy in Wales, not just the one where you first registered.
12. What if I need to see a doctor?
If your symptoms are more serious or need further investigation, the Pharmacist will refer you to your GP or another healthcare professional.
For more details, visit the Common Ailments Service - click here