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Services to treat two common conditions are being made available across Wales without the need for a prescription.

The Welsh Government is investing an extra £6m in community pharmacies to make the sore throat test and treat service, as well as the the urinary tract infection (UTI) service, available in 99% of pharmacies ahead of the winter.

The rollout will help people access free NHS care without a GP appointment.

The sore throat test and treat service and the new UTI service, which was introduced last summer, will be available nationally, from 4 June and 1 October, respectively, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “Community pharmacies play a vital role in providing healthcare across Wales. This extra investment ensures they can continue serving communities effectively.

“This agreement will ensure the national rollout of the proven sore throat test and treat service alongside the new UTI service.”

He added: “These programmes are part of our commitment to ensuring people can receive care closer to home, expanding access to these services will mean even more people in Wales can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”