Minor Ailments Scheme

Why wait to see a doctor? The Minor Ailments Scheme can save you time and is providing you with easy access to the care you need in North East Lincolnshire. 

If your prescriptions are free of charge then your pharmacist can offer free advice and free treatment for a range of conditions included in this scheme.

What is the Minor Ailments Scheme? 
Everyone can go to their pharmacist for free advice or to buy medicine for minor illnesses, however this scheme is a NHS service for anyone who does not pay for their prescriptions. The pharmacist will be able to give advice and medicines free of charge without the need to see a doctor.

Who is the service for? 
You can use the minor ailment scheme if you answer yes to all these points. 

  • You are registered with a local GP.
  • You don’t pay for your prescriptions.
  • You are suffering from one of the conditions listed below.

Minor Ailments List
Under this scheme you can get free advice and free treatment for the following minor illnesses and ailments.

Acne Hayfever
Athlete's Foot Head Lice
Cold Sores Indigestion/Heartburn/Tummy Upset/Vomiting
Conjunctivitis Insect bites and stings
Cough/Cold/Flu/High Temperature Mouth Ulcers
Prevention of fever after vaccination Mouth or gum swelling
Constipation Nasal Congestion
Cystitis in adult females Nappy Rash
Dandruff Pain
Diarrhoea Sore Throat
Dry Eyes Teething
Eczema, Dry or Itchy Skin Threadworms 
Ear Wax Thrush
Haemorrhoids (Piles) Warts and Verrucaes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




If you are eligible for the scheme then all you need to do is go to your local pharmacy and give the staff the name of your GP practice and confirmation that you don't pay for prescriptions. You will also need evidence of your identity and NHS number.  

The pharmacist will ask you questions about your symptoms. This is to make sure that the medicines you are given are suitable for you and all the details you provide are confidential. These questions will include details about other medication you are taking, about your illness and if you have any allergies.

What will the Pharmacist give me? 
The pharmacist will give you advice on how best to deal with your symptoms. You may not need any medicines, but if it is appropriate the pharmacist will provide the right medicine for you. Please remember that this medicine is only for you, it may not be right for anybody else even if they have similar symptoms. You will also receive advice on how to take the medicine and other ways to help manage your ailments and illness. The pharmacist may suggest that you see a GP if you need a medicine that is only available on a doctor’s prescription.

Will the pharmacist always be able to help me? 
Your pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional who can provide expert, confidential advice on common health problems and the best medicines to treat them. As part of this Minor Ailments Scheme, the pharmacy will follow set guidelines to ensure you get the best possible care for your condition.

If you have any queries about the scheme please contact: 
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) 
Email: nelccg.askus@nhs.net  Telephone: 0300 3000 500