Pharmacists across Wales will provide new NHS services for people with minor illnesses, Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced.

The Choose Pharmacy service will see pharmacists take responsibility for managing a range of minor ailments. People will be able to see their pharmacist for free treatment instead of making an appointment to see their GP.

The scheme aims to free up GP time to deal with people with more complex needs. The minister estimated that up to 18 per cent of GPs’ workload and 8 per cent of A&E consultations are related to minor ailments, such as coughs, colds, ear ache, hay fever, conjunctivitis and head lice.

“I’m pleased to announce that as part of the Welsh Government’s continuing support for community pharmacies in Wales and a £750,000 investment from our Efficiency through Technology Fund, the Choose Pharmacy service will be commissioned by health boards from later this year,” said Mr Gething.

“By enabling people with minor ailments to see highly-skilled pharmacists for advice and treatment, it will free up GPs’ time to focus on those people with more complex cases and reduce patient waiting times.”