Common Conditions Service

The law has changed to make everyday healthcare easier. Following on from the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024, medicines and pharmacy legislation has been changed to enable community pharmacists to provide treatment, including prescription treatments, for eight specified common conditions under the Common Conditions Service. This builds on the recommendations by the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy. The role of the Taskforce was to identify and support the delivery of specific health measures by pharmacists, and pharmacies to members of the public. The Community Pharmacy Implementation Oversight Group supported the safe implementation of this service and is comprised of representatives from pharmacy practice, the HSE, and pharmacy and medicines regulators.

This private and confidential consultation service will be available at participating pharmacies, to give people across Ireland faster access to trusted healthcare.

The service helps patients get the support they need, while ensuring General Practitioner (GP) and hospital appointments are available for people with more complex health needs.

Patients can be supported by experienced and trained pharmacists, who can:

• Assess symptoms
• Provide advice on self-care
• Recommend or supply appropriate treatments (where clinically appropriate)
• Advise that patients contact their GP, if further care is needed

The service follows national clinical guidance to ensure patient safety and high-quality care.

Important: Not all conditions are suitable for this service and not all will require a prescription medication. Your pharmacist will be best placed to advise you on the correct treatment for your symptoms. This may include your pharmacist:

• Recommending self-care
• Recommending the use of an over-the-counter product
• Recommending and prescribing a prescription only medicine (only if clinically appropriate) or
• Advise that you attend another healthcare provider. If your condition is more serious, you will be advised to contact your GP, another healthcare professional, or seek urgent medical help.

Consultation area: Pharmacists have a private confidential consultation area. This space allows for confidential discussions about your healthcare needs.

Which conditions are included?

• Allergic rhinitis
• Cold sores
• Conjunctivitis
• Impetigo
• Oral thrush
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vulvovaginal thrush

More information about these conditions is available from the HSE Health A to Z.

To find a pharmacy offering the Common Conditions Service, please visit here.

How do I access the service?

You can access the Common Conditions Service by:

• Checking HSE Pharmacy Finder online to check if your local pharmacy is delivering the service
• Contacting your local pharmacy or another pharmacy who is offering the service directly

Is there a cost to use the service?

A consultation fee will apply for all patients availing of the service.

Where a medicinal product is dispensed by the pharmacy, which is reimbursable under a HSE community drug scheme (for example the Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card Scheme), patients will pay the appropriate charge in line with their eligibility. Your pharmacy can advise you on what you will be charged.

Pharmacies should be transparent about any fees involved in the service before providing the service to an individual patient in line with PSI’s Guidelines for the service and PSI’s Guidance to support transparency of medicines pricing and fees for pharmacy services.

The HSE do not cover the cost of the consultation fee for any member of the public, regardless of eligibility status.

Who delivers this service?

The service is delivered by trained pharmacists working in community pharmacy and follows national clinical guidelines. If your symptoms suggest you need further care, you will be referred appropriately.

Will I still be able to see my GP?

Yes. This service does not replace GP care. It is designed to support patients with common conditions and free up GP appointments for more complex health needs.

What if my symptoms get worse?

If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, you should follow the advice you are given, contact your GP, or seek urgent help if needed.

Will my GP be informed?

Where appropriate, information about your consultation will be shared with your GP to ensure continuity of care.

If you would like more information about the Common Conditions Service, please:

• Speak to your pharmacist
• Visit this page again for updates