- 45 South Street, Lancing, BN15 8AN
- Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 · Sat 09:00–13:00
- 01903 752191
- Delivery Available
Those aged 1 to 17 years old can access advice and treatment for middle ear infections (acute otitis media) through the Pharmacy First Service.
Are you suffering from symptoms of a middle ear infection? We offer a free advice and treatment service through the NHS Pharmacy First Service for those aged 1 to 17 years old, without the need to see your GP. Book your appointment online.
The pharmacist will check your suitability and eligibility for the Free NHS Pharmacy First Service. In some cases, you may not need treatment for your symptoms. If the pharmacist finds your symptoms suggest a more serious infection or condition, they may refer you to your GP or another service for further assessment and treatment.
Otitis Media is an infection of the middle ear. It is associated with inflammation, redness and fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
Whilst anyone can develop acute otitis media, it is most common among children.
Through the Pharmacy First Service, we can offer advice and treatment for eligible patients with acute otitis media.
In acute otitis media, symptoms develop quickly and usually resolve within a few days.
The symptoms include:
Very young children may struggle to communicate their symptoms or the source of their discomfort. The signs and symptoms in young children who can’t communicate their symptoms verbally may include:
A pharmacist will assess your symptoms during a consultation. If it is clinically appropriate and you are eligible through the NHS Pharmacy First service, treatment may be offered to you for the middle ear infection.
The available treatment options include:
If you are issued a prescription medicine, you will pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions.
If you are not eligible for treatment through the Pharmacy First Service or the available treatments are unsuitable for you, the pharmacist may recommend an alternative treatment option or sign-post you to another service.
If your symptoms persist or are severe, seek medical help.
Visit the NHS.uk webpage for up-to-date advice and information on ear infections.
The service is available to children and young people aged 1 to 17 years old who have symptoms of a middle ear infection (acute otitis media). It is not suitable for patients suffering with recurrent acute otitis media (3 or more episodes in 6 months or four or more episodes in 12 months).
Your pharmacist will check your suitability and eligibility during your consultation.
The pharmacist will assess your symptoms during a consultation and check your suitability and eligibility for the NHS Pharmacy First Service.
If it is clinically appropriate, treatment may be offered. In some cases you may not need treatment, and if your symptoms suggest a more serious infection or condition, you may be referred to your GP or another service.
No. You can access advice and treatment for earache directly through the NHS Pharmacy First Service without needing to see your GP first.
The advice and treatment service is free through NHS Pharmacy First. If you are issued a prescription medicine, you will pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions.
If your symptoms persist or are severe, seek medical help. Your pharmacist may recommend contacting your GP if your symptoms require further investigation or a different type of care. You can contact NHS 111 for urgent guidance if unsure what to do. In a medical emergency, call 999.
