Pharmacy services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each UK nation runs its own NHS, so what your local pharmacy can do for free depends on where you live. In all three nations outside England, NHS prescriptions are free.
Scotland: NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
Anyone registered with a GP in Scotland, or living in Scotland, can get free advice and treatment from a community pharmacy for common conditions. Pharmacists can treat conditions such as urinary tract infections in women and impetigo, and many are independent prescribers who can manage a wider range of problems. If a pharmacist can't help, they'll refer you to your GP or another service.
For official information visit NHS inform.
Wales: Clinical Community Pharmacy Service
Welsh pharmacies provide free advice and treatment for common ailments through the Clinical Community Pharmacy Service. It also covers emergency contraception, emergency supply of repeat medicines and the seasonal flu vaccine. Many pharmacies have an independent prescriber who can treat conditions like sore throats or urinary tract infections.
See NHS 111 Wales for services near you.
Northern Ireland: Pharmacy First
Community pharmacies in Northern Ireland provide Pharmacy First services for a range of common conditions, so you can get treatment without a GP appointment. Ask your pharmacist which conditions they can help with.
See nidirect for more.