The overwhelming majority of pharmacies across Wales will be
providing free treatment for a common infection without an
appointment or prescription.
Ninety-nine percent of community pharmacies will be able to treat
urinary tract infections (UTI) as part of the Common Ailments
Service from October.
Pharmacists can assess the symptoms of a UTI and provide
appropriate advice and treatment where needed, enabling access to
free confidential NHS care without a GP appointment.
This is the latest expansion of the Common Ailments Service – it
follows the roll out of the award-winning sore throat test and
treat service in June.
It maximises the skills and expertise of pharmacists, increasing
access to vital NHS care for 28 common conditions as we approach
winter.
Pharmacies in Wales provided nearly half a million common
ailments service consultations in the last year.
Health Secretary said:
“Community pharmacies play a vital role in providing healthcare
across Wales.
“I'm delighted the Common Ailments Service, which is available in
so many pharmacies across Wales, now includes the management of
UTIs alongside our proven sore throat service.
“This is a result of close collaboration between the Welsh
Government, Community Pharmacy Wales, and NHS Wales.
“These programmes are part of our commitment to ensure people can
receive more convenient care closer to home. Expanding access to
these services means even more people in Wales can access the
right care, in the right place, at the right time.”
