05/05/2026
🚨 SKIP THE GP QUEUE FOR MINOR ILLNESSES! 🚨
💊 Your local pharmacy can help – FREE on the NHS 💊
Did you know?
You don’t always need a GP appointment to get treatment. The Common Ailments Service (CAS) means you can walk into your local pharmacy and get expert advice and FREE treatment for a wide range of everyday conditions.
🌟 What is the Common Ailments Service?
It’s an NHS Wales service where a qualified pharmacist assesses your symptoms, gives advice, and can provide treatment – often without you needing to see a GP.
✔ No appointment needed
✔ Private consultation
✔ Free NHS treatment (if suitable)
✔ Available in almost all pharmacies across Wales
🩺 What can they treat?
Pharmacists can help with 25+ common conditions, including:
• Sore throat
• Hay fever
• Head lice
• Mouth ulcers
• Conjunctivitis
• Thrush
• Skin conditions
• Indigestion
…and many more!
⏱️ Why use it?
👉 Faster access to care
👉 No need to wait for a GP appointment
👉 Helps keep GP appointments available for more serious conditions
Over 400,000 people a year in Wales already use this service – and it’s growing!
📍 Who can use it?
Anyone in Wales (including temporary residents) can access the service – simply speak to your local pharmacist.
💡 Top tip:
Think “Pharmacy First” for minor illnesses. If needed, the pharmacist will always refer you to a GP or another service.
📢 Next time you’re feeling unwell – try your pharmacy first!
It could save you time, and get you treated quicker 💙
