AIBU to think this is NOT what the NHS should be used for?

[QueenBean]

This is doing the rounds on Facebook at the moment (see quote below)

I am absolutely all for the NHS - i think it's a wonderful resource and for people who really need it, I think that this is a good thing.
However, I've seen this being shared quite a few times now and people pile in to say what a great thing it is and how they'll stock up on these essentials

I just don't think this is what the NHS should be used for. Yes - for people that really can't afford these essentials. But for people who can afford them and are just abusing this? No. Just because you technically can have something doesn't make it morally right to do so.

"For all the mammies and daddies - I was in Boots yesterday buying calpol and happened to complain to the cashier how expensive it is. She told me to my amazement that if you register your details with them under the 'minor ailments scheme' that all medicines etc. for children are free. A scheme that has been going for 8 years. They are not allowed to advertise it, but you can save a small fortune on calpol, piriton, sudocrem, plasters, etc.!! I wish I had known 8 years ago!"

[Sixweekstowait]

I thought you had to have a consultation first with the pharmacist so you wouldn't be 'stockpiling'. Also it saves GPs time so that's a good thing

[m0therofdragons]

I think it's in Scotland, northern Ireland and deprived areas of England. Tbh even if I could access it here I wouldn't. I'm not wealthy but I can afford calpol and if you really can't and need it lots a gp will prescribe it anyway. People seem to expect everyone else to provide for their dc. I would rather nhs money was spent elsewhere.

[FarFromAnyRoad]

Is this like a brand new thing today or something?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2380945-AIBU-to-wonder-how-people-are-so-shortsighted

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

YANBU

[catgirl1976]

I've seen that too. I thought it would be an odd thing if it wasn't means / need tested in some way. No idea if it is true. I wouldn't use it as I can afford to buy Calpol and things on the odd occasion I need them.

[QueenBean]

Quite a few people have commented to say that they have used it for minor things - paracetamol and ibuprofen. If you get boots own versions of those they cost about 20p per box.

Unless you were very very poorly off, why would you bother with trying to get those for free?

This attitude of "well im entitled to it so I may as well have it" is ridiculous

[ghostyslovesheep]

another thread!

it's not new

it saves money in the long run

it's for people who don't pay for scripts

[mrsdavidbowie]

I've seen that today too.
Totally agree with you op.

[gamerchick]

I keep seeing this... We've had this at our local chemist for years. What's the big deal, has it been extended to other groups or something?

[QueenBean]

far thanks for the link - I always do a scan of existing threads before posting new topics but missed this one!

[dementedpixie]

I have used it for headlice treatment and for family pack worm treatment buy not for things like paracetamol

[dementedpixie]

It has been running here for years too so nothing new

[GlitterTwinkleToes]

Thank god I'm not the only one who thinks this!

My DM tagged me in this post earlier today and we've been having a "discussion" about it. I think it's appalling, she's all about take whatever you can attitude.
as far as I'm concerned, you get given child benefit and child tax credits, you as the parent should buy medicines for your child from this money (seeing as it's for helping you to raise your child!)
People wonder why the NHS is falling to its knees

[TheABC]

A bit baffled by this as it's means tested through the prescription service. I would have to pay, but my elderly neighbour would not, nor anyone on certain benefits. Frankly, if you are trying to survive on a low income, I am not going to worry about you cadging a free packet of paracetamol!

[gamerchick]

Man I'm hearing twilight zone music

is the government thinking about sacking off free prescriptions for all or something and are floating the idea?

[PterodactylTeaParty]

Is this UK-wide? We have it in Scotland (and I have used it for ibuprofen solution SHOCK HORROR) - it's for things that the pharmacist suggests to you, not just for anything you fancy buying. I assumed it was to save The cost of you going through a GP visit to get something prescribed?

[goodasitgets]

You can use it if you have a pre payment too. I needed thrush treatment but had to have a consult before I could get it
As far as I know you can't just say I want paracetamol

[IAmAPaleontologist]

You can't just stock pile though and can only get it for certain things. Eg you can get calpol for a child with a fever or a teething baby but i can't get calpol for the dcs joint pain (hypermobility) without going through the dr. children get free prescriptions so the minor ailments scheme, open to all whowould normally get free prescriptions is designed to SAVE money because people don't need to waste a dr appointment to get a prescription.

[Musicaltheatremum]

Yes it's not for stockpiling. My son got some ibuprofen just before he went to university as he had knee problems and he was able to get a pack of 100 but you can't just go in and get anything. Same as I won't do scripts just to fill someone's cupboards but if I advise them to take something then I have to prescribe it if they ask (in Scotland so all things free)

[TheOnlyOliviaMumsnet]

Duplicate thread on this here
So we're closing the thread.
Thanks all

[ElizabetaTorres]

God only knows what they charge the NHS for these things, too. Pharmacies charge ridiculous amounts, I don't know who pays those prices. I use an online pharmacy to get fluconazole capsules that should be a quid or so, which with postage costs me not too much more than that; at a pharmacy they want a tenner. Why do so many people go straight to the pharmacist when they could buy 20p paracetamol and ibuprofen from the supermarket, cheap sudocrem and paracetamol suspension from the pound shop, cheap sterile dressings and boxes of hundreds of assorted character plasters from Wilkinson's?