Common Conditions Service

Our pharmacists can provide advice & treatment including access to prescription medicines where appropriate, for 8 common conditions

What is the Common Conditions Service?

The Common Conditions Service provides fast, professional healthcare advice and treatment for a range of everyday illnesses through your local McGorisks Pharmacy.

If you think you or your child may have one of the common conditions covered by the service, you can visit one of our pharmacies and speak directly with a pharmacist. Following a confidential consultation, the pharmacist will assess your symptoms in line with an approved HSE clinical protocol. This includes self-care guidance, safety-netting advice and, where clinically appropriate, the prescribing and supply of a limited range of prescription-only medicines – without the need to see a GP.

If your symptoms fall outside the criteria for this service, the pharmacist will advise on the most appropriate next steps and may refer you to another healthcare professional.

This service is designed to give you quicker, more convenient access to safe, high-quality, pharmacist-led care when you need it.

What is the fee for the service?

The pharmacist consultation fee is €35.

If the pharmacist determines that a medicine is suitable and clinically indicated, they can prescribe and supply it. An additional charge will apply for any medicines supplied.

How to access the Common Conditions Service

Walk-in service

Step 1 - Simply call into a participating McGorisks Pharmacy and let a member of our pharmacy team know you would like advice for a common condition.

Step 2 - A member of the team will take some basic details and refer you to the pharmacist for a private consultation.

Step 3 - The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and talk you through the most suitable next steps. This may include:

Prescribing and supplying a prescription-only medicine (where appropriate)
Recommending a pharmacy medicine kept behind the counter
Providing practical self-care advice and information

Find your nearest McGorisks Pharmacy

Download an assessment form in advance

For your convenience, you can download and complete the relevant assessment form before visiting the pharmacy. Bringing a completed form with you may help speed up your consultation with the pharmacist.

Simply select the form that matches your condition below.

Allergic rhinitis & allergic conjunctivitis (2 years and over) [Download assessment form (PDF)]

Cold sores (1 month and over) [Download assessment form (PDF)]

Infective conjunctivitis (6 months and over) [Download assessment form (PDF)]

Impetigo (2 months and over) [Download assessment form (PDF)]

Oral thrush (1 month and over) [Download assessment form (PDF)]

Shingles (18 years and over) [Download assessment form (PDF)]

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women (16–64 years) [Download assessment form (PDF)]

Vulvovaginal thrush (16–60 years) [Download assessment form (PDF)]

What common conditions can our pharmacists help with?

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Symptoms can include sneezing, an itchy nose, nasal congestion and a runny nose, often occurring soon after exposure to the allergen.

Cold sores

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear around the mouth or lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are highly contagious. Early symptoms often include tingling, itching or a burning sensation before the blister appears.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as red or pink eye, is caused by infection or allergies. Symptoms may include redness, itching, soreness, a gritty feeling in the eye and discharge that can stick to the eyelashes. Some forms are contagious.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It usually starts as red sores or blisters, often on the face or hands, which can burst and form a yellowish crust.

Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by candida yeast and is common in babies. Symptoms include white patches in the mouth that cannot be wiped away and, in denture wearers, redness or soreness under dentures.

Shingles

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Early symptoms include tingling, itching or pain in a specific area of skin, followed by a rash that develops into red blotches and blisters, usually affecting one side of the body.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)

An uncomplicated UTI is an infection of the bladder in women, commonly caused by bacteria. Symptoms can include a burning sensation when passing urine, needing to urinate more frequently, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, abdominal discomfort and, sometimes, blood in the urine.

Vulvovaginal thrush

Vulvovaginal thrush is a common yeast infection in women. Symptoms may include thick white vaginal discharge, itching or irritation around the vagina and vulva, soreness and discomfort when passing urine.

What common conditions can our pharmacists diagnose and treat?

Our pharmacists can assess and treat a range of common conditions under the Common Conditions Service, in line with HSE clinical protocols and age eligibility criteria.

For more detailed information on each condition, you can also visit the relevant page on the HSE website.

Conditions covered by the service

Allergic rhinitis & allergic conjunctivitis (2 years and over) More information on the HSE website
Cold sores (1 month and over) More information on the HSE website
Infective conjunctivitis (6 months and over) More information on the HSE website
Impetigo (2 months and over) More information on the HSE website
Oral thrush (1 month and over) More information on the HSE website
Shingles (18 years and over) More information on the HSE website
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women (16–64 years) More information on the HSE website
Vulvovaginal thrush (16–60 years) More information on the NHS website

Important note

Other eligibility criteria apply. If you are outside the criteria for this service, our pharmacist may still be able to help by offering advice, recommending an over-the-counter treatment, or referring you to another healthcare professional where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get antibiotics for a common condition at the pharmacy?

Following a consultation, the pharmacist will assess your symptoms and decide on the most appropriate treatment. This may include prescribing an antibiotic if it is clinically appropriate and in line with HSE guidance.

Is the Common Conditions Service free?

No. There is a €35 charge for the pharmacist consultation. If a treatment or medicine is prescribed or recommended, an additional charge may apply. Prescribed medicines can be dispensed under the Medical Card and Drugs Payment Schemes in the usual way, where eligible.

Can I have my prescription dispensed at another pharmacy?

Yes. If a prescription is issued, the pharmacist can arrange for it to be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for dispensing. Just let the pharmacist know during your consultation.