Expert treatment and prescriptions—without a GP appointment
At Nigel Williams Pharmacy, we’re proud to offer the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS). Our Pharmacist Independent Prescriber can assess a range of common conditions, provide clinical advice, and—where appropriate—prescribe treatment without the delays often associated with GP appointments.
This service is designed to make healthcare faster, simpler, and more accessible, while maintaining the highest standards of safe, evidence-based care.
What is PIPS?
The Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS) allows qualified pharmacists who are Independent Prescribers to prescribe medicines for specific conditions within their clinical competence.
That means you can be assessed and treated in the pharmacy for a range of conditions—often in a single visit—without needing to book a GP appointment.
Why choose Nigel Williams Pharmacy?
We focus on safe, convenient care that fits around real life.
- Faster access to treatment: Avoid long waits—get assessed promptly and, if appropriate, receive a prescription the same day.
- Expert clinical support: Professional assessment, diagnosis where appropriate, and tailored treatment plans.
- Confidential consultations: Seen in a private consultation room for comfort and discretion.
- Safe prescribing standards: Delivered by a qualified Pharmacist Independent Prescriber, following clinical guidelines and governance requirements.
Conditions covered by PIPS
Below is an overview of the clinical areas commonly supported through the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service.
Contraception
- Contraception
- Emergency contraception
Ear
- Infection of the ear canal
- Build-up of earwax
- Middle ear infection
Respiratory tract
- Sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sore throat / tonsillitis
- Oral thrush
- Other acute respiratory tract conditions
Skin
- Fungal and candida infections (excluding fungal nail infections)
- Acne & rosacea (topical treatments only)
- Inflammatory skin disorders and psoriasis (topical treatments only)
- Dry skin
- Herpes zoster
- Skin infections (e.g., impetigo, cellulitis) & paronychia
- Skin reactions (urticaria, hives, bites/stings, etc.)
Urinary tract
- Lower urinary tract infection
- Upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis)
Other
- Viral infection
- Pyrexia
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Gout exacerbation
- Constipation
- Migraine
- Other conditions covered by the All Wales Common Ailments Formulary where CAS supply is inappropriate
PIPS consultations: what to expect
Consultations at Nigel Williams Pharmacy are confidential and carried out by our Pharmacist Independent Prescriber in a designated private consultation area.
Examination and consent
If needed, a physical examination may be performed to help determine the best treatment or next steps. The pharmacist will explain why it’s needed and obtain explicit consent before proceeding.
For children and young people under 15, consent will be obtained from the patient (where appropriate) and/or an accompanying adult, in line with clinical and safeguarding guidance.
Chaperone option
You will be offered the option of a chaperone during consultations or examinations, in line with the pharmacy’s Chaperone Policy.
If additional clinical support is needed
If appropriate, the Pharmacist Independent Prescriber may seek advice or refer/signpost to other services such as:
- Local or out-of-hours GPs
- NHS 111 clinical support
- Sexual health services
- Optometrists
- Other relevant specialists
Any advice received will be recorded in the clinical notes.
Follow-up (when needed)
Many conditions can be managed in a single consultation. Where clinically appropriate, a follow-up may be arranged to confirm improvement or provide second-line treatment in line with good clinical practice.
Record keeping and communication with your GP
During or immediately after your consultation, the Pharmacist Independent Prescriber will document relevant information in your clinical record using an approved clinical record system.
A record of the consultation will be sent to your GP as soon as possible, unless you choose not to consent to information sharing.
Treatment and management
If treatment is recommended, the pharmacist will:
- Explain your treatment options, including benefits and limitations
- Support shared decision-making
- If a diagnosis is made, explain the clinical reasoning and provide a clear action plan
- Provide safety-netting advice (what to watch for and when to seek urgent help)
- Recommend any necessary follow-up care and how to access it
Supporting your health at every step
Alongside PIPS, Nigel Williams Pharmacy provides a range of services to support your health and wellbeing, including prescriptions (NHS and private), health checks, weight management support, and more.
Visit Nigel Williams Pharmacy
We’re committed to making healthcare more accessible in our community. With PIPS, you can get the advice and treatment you need—quickly, safely, and conveniently.
