Pharmacies to roll out scheme to give medicines for eight conditions without GP prescription

The Boots pharmacy chain is the first to roll out the new scheme, with McCabes pharmacies to offer the service from January 19. File picture: Larry Cummins

Pharmacies are starting to roll out a new scheme to allow the public to get medicines for eight common conditions without a GP prescription.

An agreement between the Government and the Irish Pharmacy Union will see Boots Ireland starting now, and the McCabes Pharmacy network set to begin within weeks.

The conditions are cold sores, shingles, two types of thrush, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and impetigo.

The Irish Pharmacy Union welcomed the rollout of the scheme, which was agreed earlier this year.

It said "a significant majority of pharmacies nationwide” had signed up to offer the new and expanded service.

This means after assessment by a pharmacist, some prescription-only medicines can now be given, as well as self-care advice or over-the-counter medicines. People could also be referred to a doctor if necessary.

A training programme for pharmacists is in place, along with legal changes.

The Boots pharmacy chain in Ireland announced on Monday it was now rolling this out. Consultations cost €35.

Caoimhe McAuley, director of pharmacy and superintendent pharmacist at Boots, said staff were proud to be at the forefront of the change.

“We are improving access to primary care for everyone and significantly reducing pressure on GP services,” she said.

Appointments can be booked on the Boots website, or people can walk into any Boots pharmacy to have a consultation.

The fee is not covered for patients. However, anyone already eligible for funded medication for their condition continues to have this in place.

McCabes Pharmacy will roll the service out starting January 19 across its network.

Managing director Jan Pieter Hallema said its 110 pharmacies around the country would offer the service, including evenings and weekends.

“Our pharmacists are currently completing the required training to ensure we are ready to deliver this service from launch,” he said.

This can be booked online, or people can also arrange an in-person appointment.