The Common Conditions Service is a new service that allows our pharmacists to prescribe medication, following HSE protocols, for a specific list of common conditions.

Various eligibility criteria apply

Our pharmacists are fully trained to provide this service and adhere to strict operational procedures and clinical protocols.  If you don’t fit the required criteria or the symptoms are not within the inclusion criteria the pharmacist may be able to offer you some practical advice, suggest an over-the-counter medication or may refer you to another healthcare professional for further care.

The common conditions included in the service, and the age criteria are:

• Allergic rhinitis (2 years and above)
• Cold sores (1 month and above)
• Conjunctivitis (6 months and above)
• Impetigo (2 months and above)
• Oral thrush (1 month and above)
• Shingles (18 years and above)
• Uncomplicated UTI in women (16-64 years)
• Vulvovaginal thrush (16-60 years)

How does the service work?

1. Select your condition
2. Complete and submit a short pre-screening intake form
3. A pharmacist reviews the information
4. A member of the pharmacy team contacts you to explain what is involved, whether you are ineligible for the consultation, possible outcomes and other terms & conditions
5. If you are eligible for the service and you decide to go ahead, consultation will be done in person in a private consultation room in the pharmacy to ensure confidentiality

Submitting the pre-screening questionnaire does not guarantee treatment

What to expect from the service?

• Careful review of your symptoms by a trained pharmacist
• A private consultation, where required and eligible
• A clear explanation of treatment options or self-care advice
• Prescription for medication where clinically appropriate
• Clear guidance and referral to your GP or hospital if further care is needed

Is there a cost?

• The fee is €35 for the Common Conditions Service, and this private consultation fee applies whether or not a prescription is issued.  Payment is not required until you present at the pharmacy.
• If any medicine is prescribed, the cost of the medicine will be in addition to the consultation fee, or it may be covered under your Medical Card, Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), or Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI), where applicable.

Points to note

• Not all conditions or patients will be suitable for this service.
• You will only be treated under the Common Conditions Service when it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so. If your symptoms fall outside the service criteria, our pharmacist will advise you on the most appropriate next step.

(Click here for an appointment & information about each individual condition)