NHS Minor Ailments — Pharmacy Prescribing Service
Our qualified Independent Prescriber can assess, diagnose, and prescribe for a range of common conditions — all on the NHS, without a GP appointment.
At a glance
Common Ailments Service
Supply of over-the-counter medicines for 22+ everyday conditions. Advice and treatment for straightforward presentations.
View conditions →NHS PIP Minor Ailments Service
Independent Prescriber assesses, diagnoses, and can issue prescription-only medicines (e.g. antibiotics, antivirals) — going beyond what a standard pharmacy service can offer.
You are here
What we can treat
All conditions below can be assessed and treated under the NHS PIP Minor Ailments service at no cost to you. Where a prescription-only medicine is required, our Independent Prescriber can issue it on the spot.
Ear
- Otitis externa
- Superficial infections of the external auditory canal
- Impacted or excessive cerumen
- Otitis media
Urinary Tract
- Lower urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis)
Contraception
- Emergency contraception
- UKMEC 1 contraception
- UKMEC 2 contraception
Upper Respiratory Tract
- Sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sore throat / tonsillitis
- Oral thrush
- Cough
Skin
- Fungal and candida infections (excluding fungal nail infections)
- Acne & rosacea (topical treatments only)
- Inflammatory skin disorders and psoriasis (topical treatments only)
- Dry skin
- Herpes zoster (shingles)
- Skin infections — impetigo, cellulitis & paronychia
- Skin reactions — urticaria, hives, bites & stings
Other
- Viral infection
- Pyrexia (fever)
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Migraine
- Gout exacerbation
- Constipation
- Other conditions covered by the All Wales Common Ailments Formulary where CAS supply is inappropriate
Eligibility is confirmed during your assessment. If your condition falls outside the scope of this service, we will advise on the best next step.
The Process
How it works
Simple, fast, and entirely on the NHS — most appointments take around 15 minutes.
Contact us first
Please call or message us before coming in. This helps us confirm the service is right for your condition and ensures an appointment slot is ready for you.
Clinical assessment
Our Independent Prescriber will carry out a full clinical assessment — asking about your symptoms, health history, and any relevant risk factors to reach a diagnosis.
Treatment or prescription
If a prescription is clinically appropriate, it will be issued and dispensed on the spot. If treatment isn't needed, you'll receive clear advice on what to do next.
Why Creigiau Pharmacy
A prescriber you can actually talk to
At Creigiau Pharmacy, all consultations are carried out by Gareth Thomas — a GPhC-registered Independent Prescriber. That means you get a proper clinical assessment, not a quick triage.
Unlike larger chains, you're not passed from one person to another. Gareth knows his patients and takes the time to understand your full picture before making any prescribing decision.
If you've been seen by us before, your history is on file and your consultation will be faster. Please contact us in advance to arrange your appointment — we'll get you booked in as quickly as possible.
Completely free
Fully funded by NHS Wales — no charges
Independent prescriber
Qualified to diagnose and prescribe POMs
Same-day treatment
Assessment and prescription in one visit
Contact us first
Call ahead to arrange your appointment
Common questions
Is this service free?
Yes. The NHS Minor Ailments service is fully funded by NHS Wales. There is no charge to you for the consultation or any prescribed medicine issued through the service.
How is this different from the Common Ailments Service?
The Common Ailments Service covers over-the-counter supply for everyday conditions. The Pharmacy Independent Prescribing (PIP) service goes further — our pharmacist can clinically assess, diagnose, and issue prescription-only medicines (POMs) such as antibiotics where needed.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can come directly to us without a GP appointment or referral. This service is designed to take the pressure off GP surgeries for conditions that can be safely managed in a pharmacy.
What if my condition is more serious than expected?
Your safety comes first. If your condition needs further investigation or a higher level of care, we will refer you appropriately — to your GP, 111, or in urgent cases, A&E.
Can children use this service?
Eligibility varies by condition. Some conditions within the PIP service have age restrictions. Please call us in advance and we'll let you know whether your child's condition can be assessed.
What should I bring?
It helps to bring a list of any medicines you are currently taking (prescription or over-the-counter), but it's not essential. Our pharmacist will ask during the assessment.
Also on the NHS: Common Ailments Service · Prescriptions · All services
Feeling unwell? Get in touch.
An appointment is required for this service — please call or contact us in advance and we'll arrange a time that suits you. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.