Author: C Boal
There are over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland (NI), most are open from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm, some later and in some localities on Sunday. Our Community Pharmacists already advise patients on a wide range of minor ailments and either recommend treatment or refer to other health care professionals.
The NI Minor Ailments Service builds upon this expertise allowing Pharmacists to offer some treatments, if they are considered necessary, free of charge to eligible patients on the health service.
For eligibility for this service, patients must be over 3months old and be registered with a GP in NI.
Patients can access this service at participating Pharmacies by self – referral (attending the pharmacy yourself), Pharmacist referral or GP Practice referral. This means, patients have access to a health care professional when needed avoiding telephone calls, wait times and booking appointments.
Patients may receive advice and/ or treatment after appropriate assessment by the Pharmacist. If medication is required it will be supplied by the Pharmacist from an agreed list of medication free of charge.
Patients must attend the pharmacist in person, however, please note that patients can still see the GP if preferred via open surgery or booked appointment.
Conditions that are currently covered by the Minor Ailment Service are;
Oral/ Vaginal Thrush
Headlice
Threadworms
Athlete’s Foot
Groin Itch
Diarrhoea
Cold Sores
Mouth Ulcers
Ear Wax
Leaflets and further information are available from the Practice, please ring 028 9029 6600 or ask at reception.