Self Referrals

Non-urgent advice: Sore throat

Some pharmacies provide a sore throat test and treat service for those aged six and over and a list of those taking part can be found below.

The pharmacist will ask you questions to decide if you need a throat swab.

Not everyone will need one.

If it's likely you have a viral infection, which does not require antibiotics, a test won't be necessary and the pharmacist will give you self-care advice.

Please note this is not a strep A screening service.

We advise you to ring the pharmacy before travelling to check whether a pharmacist who can provide the service is available and whether you are suitable for the service.

Follow this link to the NHS 111 Wales website where you can search for pharmacies close to you which are delivering the service.

You can select 'Sore throat test and treat' in the list on the left-hand side.

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Common Ailments Service

The Common Ailments Service is provided by pharmacies across Wales. You can get confidential, professional help and free-of-charge treatment, including some over-the-counter medication and prescriptions for the following common health conditions: 

Acne
Athlete’s foot
Back pain (acute)
Chicken pox
Cold sores
Colic
Conjunctivitis (bacterial eye infection)
Constipation
Dermatitis
Diarrhoea
Dry eyes
Haemorrhoids (piles)
Hay fever
Head lice
Indigestion
In-growing toenails
Intertrigo (rash in skin folds)
Mouth ulcers
Nappy rash
Oral thrush
Ringworm
Scabies
Sore throat
Teething
Threadworms
Vaginal thrush
Verruca 

Non-urgent advice: UTI

99% of community pharmacies are be able to treat urinary tract infections.

Female patients aged between 16 and 64 with symptoms of uncomplicated UTI,
including transgender and gender-diverse individuals assigned female at birth, can contact their local pharmacy for advice and treatment. 

Some patients will still need to contact their GP. Patients who  

  • Are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • Have other medical conditions that could indicate more complicated infection
  • Have symptoms indicative of more complicated infection
  • Have recurrent UTIs (one or more UTIs in the last 6 months or two or more
    UTIs in the last 12 months).
  • Male patients, including transgender and gender-diverse individuals assigned male at birth
  • Female patients aged under 16 or over 65 years, including transgender and genderdiverse individuals assigned female at birth 

Non-urgent advice: Eye problems

Patients with an acute problem with their eye or vision can be seen for free for the following issues:

  • Minor eye injury
  • Red eye
  • Painful eye
  • Foreign body
  • Sudden loss/ change in vision
  • New onset flashes/ floaters

Contact your local optometrist (optician) first.

They can provide you with a free NHS eye exam. More information and a list of opticians that offer a free eye check can be found here.

Non-urgent advice: Physiotherapy

You can self refer to physiotherapy in Ceredigion. 

Fill in this form.

The department will then contact you. 

If you have trouble completing the form, please call 01970 635705, or email BGHphysioreferral.hdd@wales.nhs.uk

Non-urgent advice: Ear wax removal

Self refer for ear micro suction by completing this form

Alternatively telephone 01545 900100.

 

Non-urgent advice: Sexual Health

Click here for more information about sexual and reproductive health, and contraception clinic.

Non-urgent advice: Podiatry (foot health)

You can self refer to visit a clinic.

More information is here.

Non-urgent advice: Pregnancy

Call The Midwife! Women can refer themselves to the community midwives by telephoning 01970 635634. 

Click here for more information about Maternity Services in Aberystwyth.

Autism & ADHD

For children (two years to 17 years and nine months) - contact your child's school nurse.

For adults 

Page last reviewed: 26 February 2026
Page created: 19 September 2025