Groundbreaking common conditions service launched at boots

Boots Ireland has announced the launch of the pioneering Common Conditions Service, a significant healthcare initiative that will empower community pharmacists to provide advice, treatment, and for the first time in Ireland, prescribe prescription-only medication, when appropriate, for eight common conditions.

This innovative service marks a pivotal moment for primary care in Ireland. The required legal changes have been made for expanding the clinical role of community pharmacists and enhancing patient access to timely, professional healthcare.

Historically, pharmacists have offered advice and over-the-counter solutions; now, under established clinical protocols, they will, in addition, be able to prescribe, where appropriate, and supply certain prescription-only medicines directly.

The initial eight common conditions covered by the service include:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Cold sores
• Conjunctivitis
• Impetigo
• Oral thrush
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
• Vulvovaginal thrush.

“We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this transformative healthcare initiative in Ireland,” said Caoimhe McAuley, Director of Pharmacy and Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots.

“The Common Conditions Service underscores Boots’ unwavering commitment to expanding patient care within the community. By enabling our highly trained pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe for these common ailments, we are improving access to primary care for everyone and significantly reducing pressure on GP services.”

Patients can access the Common Conditions Service by booking an appointment through www.boots.ie/common-conditions, where they will complete a brief pre-consultation form and select a convenient time and pharmacy.

Additionally, patients can walk into a Boots pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist or be referred by a healthcare assistant for a consultation. The consultation is priced at €35, and while the consultation itself is not covered by government schemes, any prescribed and dispensed medicines may be eligible for reimbursement under existing schemes.

Following a consultation, the pharmacist may:

• Where appropriate, provide a prescription for medication.
• Offer lifestyle and healthcare advice.
• Recommend an over-the-counter medication.
• Refer the patient to a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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