Yes. At Murphy's Pharmacy on North Main Street, Cork, a pharmacist can assess and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment for a urinary tract infection (cystitis) and seven other common conditions without a GP visit, under the HSE Common Conditions Service.
Conditions we can treat
| Condition | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (cystitis) | Women aged 16–64 who are not pregnant |
| Vulvovaginal thrush | Women aged 16–60 |
| Shingles (herpes zoster) | Adults, within a set time from the rash appearing |
| Cold sores | See the pharmacist |
| Conjunctivitis (eye infection) | See the pharmacist |
| Impetigo (skin infection) | See the pharmacist |
| Oral thrush | See the pharmacist |
| Allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever) | See the pharmacist |
How it works
- Call in or book online. You'll need to come to the pharmacy in person.
- A pharmacist asks about your symptoms and medical history in our private consultation room.
- If treatment is right for you, the pharmacist prescribes and dispenses it there and then. If not, we'll tell you who to see, such as your GP or SouthDoc.
What it costs
The HSE does not cover the consultation, which costs €35. Any medicine prescribed is charged as normal under your scheme: medical card holders pay the prescription charge, and the Drugs Payment Scheme and Long-Term Illness Scheme apply as usual.
Questions people ask
Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics for a UTI in Ireland?
Yes. Under the HSE Common Conditions Service, a trained pharmacist can assess an uncomplicated lower UTI in women aged 16–64 who are not pregnant and prescribe treatment where appropriate.
How much does the Common Conditions Service cost?
The consultation costs €35. Any medicine prescribed is charged as normal under your scheme.
Do I need to see my GP first?
No. You come straight to the pharmacy. We let your GP know if you would like us to.
Is the Common Conditions Service free with a medical card?
The €35 consultation is a private fee for everyone. Medicines prescribed are covered by your medical card in the usual way, with the standard prescription charge.
Can I get treatment for a man's UTI?
No. UTIs in men need to be seen by a GP, and so do UTIs in pregnancy.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Consultations take place in a private room with a pharmacist.