To think minor ailments service is a bit useless?

[lolabells]

Or am i missing the point?

I thought minor ailments was to help alleviate the stress on GP surgeries but so far i've not been given anything that isn't already available over the counter and just keep getting told oh you'll need to go see doctor.

Am i being unreasonable in thinking its not fulfilling its purpose?

I think it's for those who haven't realised you can get OTC meds for their minor conditions.

Is it? Oh, i probably have missed the point. Is it for folk to get the otc meds free rather than going to gp for prescription?

I'm just annoyed that i have to wait until tuesday for a doc appt for dd2 for an ailment she's had before.

Imo it's for those who say, haven't tried an OTC med for athletes foot and go to the gp.

Educating people that you can ask your pharmacist for advice instead of immediately booking a gp appointment.

But I hear you.Unless your condition is completely obvious,the pharmacist will advise a gp visit.

They've recently cut it down, but you used to be able to get cold medicine etc on it for a reduced price (or free, like all prescriptions are in NI and I think Scotland) than buying them OTC. Also things like Calpol and Nurophen.

Now they can't do anything useful. My chemist is really furious about it and has signs up about how to complain, which I have done.

or free, like all prescriptions are in NI and I think Scotland
not yet in Scotland reduced charge.You can go and see the pharmacist and get a prescription here have done so for dd2 for her allergy medication and dh has done it for recurring conjunctivitis.

I use it for head lice treatment - you can get Hedrin from there.

I went to a local one a few months back with chest pain. The receptionist refused to let me see a nurse and told me to get myself to A&E if it was that bad (I could barely breathe or walk, was doubled over in pain and have a history of pleurisy)

I spent the rest of the evening in A&E 10 miles away, DP spent a fortune on parking, to be given an inconclusive blood test, a chest xray which showed a little bit of fluid, and some diclofenac painkillers, which I asked for as they're the only ones that work well for me - they cleared it in two days.

Will not be using again.