NHS PHARMACY FIRST · EARACHE
Help for your child’s earache
Ear assessment for children and young people aged 1–17.
Our Southall and Hillingdon teams can assess eligible children and young people with earache through NHS Pharmacy First. An ear examination helps decide whether advice, treatment or another service is needed.
- NHS-funded consultation
- Eligibility applies
- Southall & Hillingdon
NHS consultation
No consultation charge for eligible patients
Local care
Speak to the Southall or Hillingdon team
Individual assessment
Advice and treatment based on suitability
Clear next steps
Referral when another service is needed
Who is this service for?
This established pathway concerns suspected acute middle ear infection in children and young people. It is separate from earwax removal and the planned adult outer ear infection prescribing pathway.
Tell us your symptoms
Explain when symptoms started and how they have changed.
Review suitability
Medicines, allergies and your health history matter.
Agree the next step
Treatment is offered only where appropriate.
Know what to do next
We explain follow-up and when to seek further help.
An examination before a treatment decision
The pharmacist will ask about symptoms and look inside the ear with an otoscope. Many ear infections improve without antibiotics. We will explain pain relief options, any suitable treatment and when further assessment is needed.
- Children and young people aged 1–17
- Ear pain or symptoms suggesting a middle ear infection
- A parent or carer should explain the symptom history
- Tell us about discharge, hearing changes and past ear problems
- Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for swelling around the ear, new hearing loss, discharge or feeling very unwell. If your child becomes seriously unwell, do not wait for a routine consultation.
Your consultation in three steps
A straightforward process, with time to discuss what you need.
1. Contact the team
Call or visit your local branch. We will explain availability and whether this is the appropriate service.
2. Have an assessment
Discuss symptoms and relevant health history, with an examination where needed.
3. Leave with a plan
Get advice, suitable treatment or referral, and guidance on what to do if things change.
Care from your local pharmacy team
Clinical assessment
Care guided by NHS criteria and your individual needs.
Practical advice
Understand how to use any treatment recommended.
Two local branches
Southall and Hillingdon.
Appropriate referral
We help identify when another clinician is needed.
Preparing for your consultation
Bring your medicines list, allergy details and any treatments already tried. Tell us about important health changes so the pharmacist can assess the safest next step.
Puri Pharmacy · Your local pharmacy team
NHS consultation and medicine costs
Eligible Pharmacy First consultations are NHS-funded. Normal NHS prescription charges may apply to medicines supplied unless you are exempt. Over-the-counter purchases are separate.
NHS Pharmacy First consultation
No consultation fee
- Eligibility and clinical assessment apply
- Medicine charges depend on exemption status and supply route
- Contact the branch to check availability
- No guaranteed prescription or treatment
Frequently asked questions
Read NHS guidance for more information.
Do I need a GP referral?
You can approach the pharmacy directly for a clinical pathway assessment. NHS services may also refer you. Eligibility and pharmacist availability still apply.
Will I definitely receive medicine?
No. Advice, self-care or referral can be the appropriate outcome. Medicines are supplied only when the clinical criteria support them.
Is the consultation free?
Eligible consultations are NHS-funded. Normal NHS prescription charges can apply to medicines unless you are exempt; over-the-counter purchases are separate.
What if I am outside the age range?
The team can still advise on appropriate next steps. Treatment through the established NHS pathway may not be available, and you may need another service.
Visit Puri Pharmacy
Choose Southall or Hillingdon for your consultation. Contact the branch to check pharmacist availability and the right next step before travelling.
Southall pharmacy
39 Western Road
Southall, UB2 5HE
NHS Pharmacy First assessments, subject to eligibility and pharmacist availability.
Hillingdon pharmacy
165 Ryefield Avenue
Hillingdon, UB10 9DA
NHS Pharmacy First assessments, subject to eligibility and pharmacist availability.
Plan your visit: clinical appointment times may differ from pharmacy opening hours. Contact your branch about parking, step-free access or any assistance you need before travelling.
Speak to our Pharmacy First team
For other conditions, explore NHS Pharmacy First at Puri Pharmacy.