New Chapel Street Surgery

Common Ailments

As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.

Remember in Torfaen you can access the Pharmacy Common Ailments Scheme for free advice and treatment at your local pharmacy.

Before you do, remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.

We suggest you keep the following:

  • Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
  • Mild laxatives
  • Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
  • Rehydration mixture
  • Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
  • Travel sickness tablets
  • Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
  • Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
  • Tweezers and sharp scissors
  • A thermometer
  • A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings

Remember:

  • Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
  • Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
  • Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
  • Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

When Should I Worry

When Should I Worry allows you to download a useful guide, developed by Cardiff University, to help parents manage respiratory tract infections (coughs, colds, sore throats, ear ache) in young children.

Date published: 3rd April, 2015
Date last updated: 19th January, 2023