When a minor health problem appears, getting timely advice can make all the difference. Ireland’s Common Conditions Service allows specially trained community pharmacists to assess and manage eight common conditions in a private consultation room.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, the pharmacist may provide self-care advice, recommend an over-the-counter treatment, prescribe an appropriate medicine or refer you to another healthcare professional.
What conditions are covered?
The Common Conditions Service covers:
- Shingles – a painful, blistering rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
- Acute infective conjunctivitis – an eye infection that can cause redness, irritation and sticky discharge.
- Impetigo – a contagious skin infection that commonly causes sores or golden-brown crusts.
- Oral thrush – a fungal infection of the mouth that can cause creamy white patches, soreness or an unpleasant taste.
- Cold sores – small, painful blisters that usually develop on or around the lips.
- Allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis – allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and itchy, red or watery eyes.
- Uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (UTI) – symptoms can include burning when urinating, needing to urinate more frequently or urgently, and lower abdominal discomfort.
- Vulvovaginal thrush – a fungal infection that may cause itching, irritation and a thick white discharge.
These are the eight conditions included in the current national service. HSE Common Conditions Service FAQs
What happens during the consultation?
The consultation takes place in person in a private area of the pharmacy. Your pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, current medicines and allergies. They may also carry out relevant checks depending on the condition.
Following the assessment, the pharmacist may:
- Provide advice on managing the condition at home
- Recommend an over-the-counter treatment
- Prescribe medicine when clinically appropriate
- Refer you to your GP, an out-of-hours service or another healthcare facility
The service follows approved clinical protocols. Not every patient or condition will be suitable for pharmacy treatment, and antibiotics or other prescription medicines will only be supplied when clinically appropriate.
Do I need an appointment?
Service availability can vary between pharmacies. Contact the pharmacy before travelling to check whether a trained pharmacist is available and whether you need an appointment.
Children may be eligible for certain conditions, depending on the age limits and criteria within the relevant protocol. Children under 16 must attend with a parent or guardian.
Is there a charge?
A consultation fee applies to all patients using the service. The pharmacy should explain the fee before the consultation begins.
If medicine is prescribed and dispensed, it may be covered according to your existing eligibility under an HSE Community Drug Scheme, such as the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. Normal scheme rules apply.
When should I seek urgent medical attention?
The service is intended for suitable, uncomplicated cases. Seek urgent help if you feel seriously unwell or experience symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Confusion, fainting or collapse
- A serious allergic reaction
- Loss of vision or severe eye pain
- Fever accompanied by pain in your back or side
Call 112 or 999 in an emergency.
Speak to our pharmacy team
Your community pharmacist is a highly trained and accessible healthcare professional. The Common Conditions Service offers a convenient way to receive a structured assessment, trusted advice and appropriate treatment without always needing to visit your GP first.
Contact our pharmacy team to check availability, consultation fees or appointment requirements. The person seeking treatment must attend the pharmacy in person.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Eligibility and treatment depend on the relevant clinical protocol and the pharmacist’s professional judgement.
