Over 400,000 across Wales visit pharmacies for common health issues

Over 400,000 people across Wales accessed the common ailments service at their local pharmacy over the last 12 months.
The new figures, released this week by the Welsh Government, are part of a wider campaign to encourage people to use the service for free advice and treatment for a range of illnesses.
The common ailments service, available in 99 per cent of pharmacies throughout Wales, provides access to free, confidential advice and treatments for 28 common illnesses including sore throats and urinary tract infections, without the need for an appointment.
Last year, more than 400,000 people used the service and it has helped almost 1.25m since it was launched in 2013.
There are also currently around 220 pharmacies delivering the pharmacist independent prescribing service – equivalent to a third of all pharmacies in Wales.
This enables pharmacists to treat a range of conditions such as ear, skin and respiratory infections, sinusitis and migraine.
Ninety-five per cent of people said they would have otherwise visited their GP, or other healthcare provider, had they not been able to access this service from their pharmacy.
Up to 100 community pharmacists a year are already undertaking prescribing training and from 2026, all newly-qualified pharmacists will be prescribers at the point of registration.
GPs, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists, allied health professionals and social care workers in primary and community care are seeing more people than ever and continually extending their range of services.
Other figures released by the Welsh Government include:
- GPs receive around 100,000 calls and handle 68,000 appointments per working day.
- Optometrists hold more than 2,000 consultations a month
- Since April 2022, more than 420,000 new patients have received dental treatment.
- District nurses see around 31,000 people every month – equivalent to 1% of Wales’ population.
“We know there is very high demand for GP services in Wales, with around 1.6 million people contacting their practice each month,” said Health Secretary, Jeremy Miles.
“For most common health concerns, your local pharmacy is the best option, providing free and easy access to treatment.
“We are working with the NHS to provide more care in the community, closer to people’s homes and to make it easier for people to choose the right service for their health needs.”
Pharmacies provide treatment for 28 common illnesses as part of the common ailments service.
Many pharmacies also offer access to emergency contraception as well as annual flu vaccinations and regular contraception services.
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