March 18, 2024

NHS Minor Ailment Service

Katie Hilton, MAM Midwife

Katie Hilton – MAM Expert Midwife & Health Visitor

Katie Hilton is a dual qualified nurse, midwife and health visitor and the expert adviser for MAM UK. She is also a mu’ma herself to one cheeky little man.

Have you heard of the NHS Minor Ailments Service? Lots of parents don’t know this service exists.

The Minor Ailments Scheme is a service operated by pharmacies and it enables parents to have improved access to treatment for many minor ailments and saves a trip to the GP. Pharmacists have a well-define list of conditions they can prescribe for over the counter, many of which apply to children.

Among the conditions covered are:

  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis
  • Impetigo
  • Oral Thrush
  • Chicken Pox
  • Threadworm
  • Constipation
  • Coughs & Colds
  • Earache
  • Head Lice
  • Fever
  • Insect Bites & Stings
  • Nappy Rash
  • Ringworm
  • Teething


You can use the Minor Ailment Service if you or your child:

  • Are registered with a local GP; and
  • Don’t pay for your prescriptions; and
  • Have one of the common conditions listed above.

How does it work?

To use the service simply telephone or walk into your local pharmacy and ask about the Minor Ailment Service. The pharmacist will then walk you through what you need to do to register for the service if you’re eligible.