Information for patients
The NHS Minor Ailment Service at Ballysillan Pharmacy
Why wait? Go Straight to your pharmacist.
Minor ailments is an NHS service provided by Ballysillan Pharmacy.
- If you have a minor illness, a pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice.
- You do not need an appointment.
- Our pharmacist can give you advice for a minor illness, and medicine if they think you need it.
Who is the service for?
You can use the minor ailments service f you are registered with a GP practice in Northern Ireland or you live in Northern Ireland. Speak to the pharmacy team if you need further details.
How does the service work?
Pharmacists can offer advice and treatment for a wide range of minor ailments
- Treatments provided as part of the Minor Ailment Service are free of charge
- You will receive quick, expert advice without the need to see your GP
- GPs will be able to spend more time focusing on patients with more complex needs.
- Acne Vulgaris
- Athlete’s foot
- Diarrhoea
- Haemorrhoids
- Headlice
- Groin Area Infection
- Threadworms
When you visit the pharmacy, the pharmacist (or one of their team) will ask you for some information, including your name, date of birth and postcode.
The pharmacist will:
- ask you about your symptoms;
- give you advice on your condition;
- provide medication (if you need it); and
- refer you to another healthcare professional (for example, your GP) if they think this is necessary.
They will set up a Patient Medication Record (PMR) to make a note of any advice and treatment they give you.
You can ask to use the pharmacy’s consultation area or room if you want to speak to the pharmacist in private.