Pharmacy First Otitis Media in Children (1–17 years of age)
A Pharmacy First consultation for earache and suspected middle-ear infection in children and young people aged 1–17.
- Speak to the pharmacy team about your child’s ear symptoms and recent illness
- Get clear self-care advice and guidance on what to monitor at home
- Understand whether treatment may be suitable through the Pharmacy First service
- Leave with a straightforward plan for what to do next and when to seek further help
Available from our pharmacy in Ruislip
We provide this service from our pharmacy at 81 Howletts Lane. Speak to the team if you would like to check whether it is suitable for you, or to ask about appointment availability.
What this service involves
During this Pharmacy First consultation, you will talk through your child’s ear symptoms, how long they have been present, and any recent colds or other illnesses. We will ask a few focused questions to understand what support may be most suitable for a child or young person aged 1–17. You will leave with clear self-care advice and, where appropriate through Pharmacy First, guidance on treatment options and what to do if symptoms do not improve.
Parent or carer supported
You can stay with your child throughout the Pharmacy First appointment and ask questions at any point.
Clear reassurance
You will leave knowing what to look out for and when to seek further assessment if symptoms change or persist.
What we provide
These are the key things you can expect to receive during and after your Pharmacy First appointment.
Symptom and history review
A focused discussion about your child’s symptoms (aged 1–17), what you have already tried, and any relevant medicines or allergies.
Comfort and self-care advice
Practical home-care guidance to help your child feel more comfortable and to support recovery.
Safe medicines support
Where suitable through Pharmacy First, advice on treatment options and how to use medicines safely for your child’s age.
What to expect over the next few days
Guidance on what improvement may look like, what to monitor, and what to do if things are not getting better.
Next-step guidance if needed
Clear advice on when to seek further help from another healthcare service if symptoms worsen, persist, or return.
A deposit is required to confirm this appointment.
Who this service is for
This Pharmacy First service is for families who want timely advice and guidance for earache and related symptoms in children and teenagers aged 1–17.
Children aged 1–11
Support when younger children (aged 1–11) have earache, are unsettled, or have discomfort during or after a cold.
Teenagers aged 12–17
Support for older children (aged 12–17) with ear pain, a blocked sensation, or hearing changes, especially after illness.
Parents and carers seeking clarity
Helpful if you want clear self-care advice, guidance on treatment options through Pharmacy First, and a simple plan for what to do next.
Conditions covered and who is eligible
Our pharmacists can assess and, where appropriate, treat seven common conditions without a GP appointment.
- Earache, ages 1 to 17
- Impetigo, ages 1 and over
- Infected insect bites, ages 1 and over
- Shingles, ages 18 and over
- Sinusitis, ages 12 and over
- Sore throat, ages 5 and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women aged 16 to 64
How it works
- No appointment needed, walk in during opening hours
- The consultation is free on the NHS
- Treatment is supplied where the pharmacist decides it is appropriate
- Usual NHS prescription charges apply unless you are exempt
- We refer you to your GP or another service if that is the safer option
Frequently asked questions
Speak to our team if your question is not covered.
This Pharmacy First service is for ear symptoms in children and young people aged 1–17, such as earache, a blocked feeling, reduced hearing, or discomfort during or after a cold.
Book Pharmacy First Otitis Media in Children (1–17 years of age)
Choose a suitable date and time for your appointment.
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