The seven common illnesses you can get a prescription for – without go

Britain’s GPs are overloaded with the strain of treating minor illnesses, with 77% saying they put unnecessary pressure on surgeries, new research has found.

A staggering 87% of family doctors said this winter has been busier than usual for what they described as “minor” health issues.

Meanwhile 31% spend an hour each day dealing with conditions that could be treated by the NHS’s Pharmacy First scheme, according to the poll conducted by Asda Pharmacy.

The initiative allows pharmacists to issue prescription medicines for seven common illnesses without a doctor’s appointment. 

But despite running since 2024, 49% of adults have not heard of Pharmacy First, while half do not know what conditions it covers.

TV presenter Dr Hilary Jones is urging the public to rethink where they go when everyday illness strikes. 

“As a GP with my patients’ interests at heart, I’m passionate about telling them that there is a faster and more effective way to have many of their commonest medical conditions treated, without the delay and frustration of having to fight for unnecessary GP appointments.” he said. 

Asda Pharmacy has launched ISSUE IS, an awareness campaign designed to help families understand what conditions can be treated at a pharmacy. 

ISSUE IS is a simple, memorable acronym covering common conditions pharmacists can treat.

These are: I – Infected insect bites, S – Sore throats, S – Sinusitis, U – Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections, E – Earache, I – Impetigo, and S – Shingles.

Dr Hilary said: “Asda‘s Pharmacy First approach means huge numbers of people can easily obtain the treatment they need for a host of ailments from highly trained pharmacists without the need for a doctor‘s prescription. 

“The ISSUE IS acronym will go a long way to resolve so many unpleasant symptoms with a minimum of fuss and delay.”

Research found that 58% of Brits delayed seeking treatment after being unable to get an appointment at the GP, while 32% reported long waiting times. One in seven had resorted to visiting urgent care or A&E for minor symptoms.

Faisal Tuddy, Asda’s Head of Pharmacy, said: “When someone in the family feels unwell, knowing what to do next can feel like another decision in an already busy day. That mental load often leads people to default to the GP, even when faster, simpler care is available closer to home.

“With more than 230 Asda Pharmacies across the UK, ISSUE IS gives customers a memorable way to recognise when Pharmacy First is the right choice, making it easier to see a pharmacist quickly, get treated sooner, and ease unnecessary pressure on GP surgeries.”

For more information about Pharmacy First and to find your nearest participating Asda Pharmacy, visit or speak to a trained pharmacist in store.