Patients who do not pay for prescriptions may be able to access a free service for certain common illnesses. Certain people could benefit from the NHS Minor Ailment Scheme to get advice and, when appropriate, free treatment for minor conditions, without having to see the doctor.
Boots, which has informed people about the service on its website, states: "If you want help dealing with a common illness such as a cold, cough or diarrhoea, you may be able to use the free NHS Minor Ailment Scheme at selected pharmacies, including some Boots pharmacies. Our pharmacist will be able to offer advice and may be able to offer you medicines for a minor illness without you having to book an appointment to see your GP."
