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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think Pharmacy First id a load of bollocks

31 replies

goneaway2 · 11/06/2024 16:24

Went to two pharamcies today to get me ear looked at as suspect I'm getting my 2nd ear infection within about 6 weeks. Neither would look at my ear, despite one having the pharamcy first advert on their counter stating they deal with ear infections, because I'm over 18! Phoned the Dr, they told me to go to the Pharmacy, told them what had a happened and no appointments. I have to phone 1st thing tomorrow for an emergency one. NHS direct tell me to use Pharmacy first for ear infections, as do the Out of hour service.
What on earth is the point of Pharmacy First? Would it really have killed them to take 20 seconds to look at my ear?

OP posts:
goneaway2 · 11/06/2024 17:23

Hahahashower · 11/06/2024 16:30

They can only treat children between 1 and 17 for suspected ear infections. The age ranges are different for all the ailments they can treat. If you can't get aa appointment call 111 or go to am urgent treatment centre.

Then why do the GPs, 111 and out of hours constantly tell you to go to the Pharmcist for a suspected ear infection?

OP posts:
AltitudeCheck · 11/06/2024 16:33

https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

They can't asses or treat ear infections (under the pharmacy first scheme) in patients 18 and over. I suspect their insurance only covers diagnosis in the patient groups specified, hence the reluctance to give you an opinion.

NHS England » Pharmacy First

https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first

Hahahashower · 11/06/2024 16:30

They can only treat children between 1 and 17 for suspected ear infections. The age ranges are different for all the ailments they can treat. If you can't get aa appointment call 111 or go to am urgent treatment centre.

Aussieland · 11/06/2024 16:28

Well I guess it depends if pharmacists have actually had any training in examining ears, differential diagnosis, when antibiotics are indicated and which ones depending on previous history etc. I imagine they aren’t and yet again it’s another patch on actually providing enough GPs to make medical decisions…

radishpatch · 11/06/2024 16:26

I have used pharmacy first and found it a brilliant scheme, hence asking why they wouldn't see you!

radishpatch · 11/06/2024 16:25

I am sorry you are poorly. Why wouldn't they see you?