Sore Throats and UTIs Now Treated at All Pharmacies in Gwent
Gwent residents can now get help for sore throats and urinary tract infections (UTIs) at any pharmacy in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area.
From Wednesday 1st October 2025, sore throats and urinary tract infections will join the list of minor ailments that can be treated for free at local pharmacies as part of the Common Ailments Service – an initiative that provides free NHS advice and treatment for a range of common health problems without the need for a GP appointment.
From head lice to athlete’s foot, and now sore throats and urinary tract infections (UTIs), the Common Ailments Service allows local residents to be seen by trained pharmacists, who can assess symptoms, provide confidential guidance, and supply treatment if required. With appointments recommended, patients are advised to call ahead before visiting their chosen pharmacy and will typically be seen within 24 hours.
Though Sore Throat Test and Treat and Urinary Tract Test and Treat services have previously been available across selected pharmacies, this expansion ensures that these vital services are now accessible from any pharmacy that offers the Common Ailments Scheme.
Richard Evans, Community Pharmacy Lead for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said:
“We’re really pleased that treatment for sore throats and urinary tract infections is now available for patients as part of the Common Ailments Scheme. Our local Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who can offer expert advice, and this expansion makes it easier than ever for people to access safe, expert care without needing a GP appointment.
“Having every pharmacy on board with this initiative also means that if the service is unavailable at a chosen pharmacy, patients can be directed to a neighbouring pharmacy to ensure they are seen within 48 hours.”
Patients may be asked to register for the free Common Ailments Service. For sore throats and UTIs, a simple test may be carried out to check if antibiotics will work.
The full list of common ailments included in the scheme is available here: Pharmacies – Aneurin Bevan University Health Board