Earache Treatment in Stoke-on-Trent
Is your child suffering from ear pain? Derby Street Pharmacy can assess and treat earache in children aged 1 to 17 through the NHS Pharmacy First service - no GP appointment needed.
What is Earache?
Earache is a common condition in children, often caused by an infection in the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear canal (otitis externa). It can cause significant discomfort, making children irritable and disrupting their sleep. While many cases resolve on their own, some ear infections require antibiotic treatment.
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists at Derby Street Pharmacy are qualified to assess earache in children aged 1 to 17, determine the likely cause, and where clinically appropriate, prescribe antibiotics - all without the need for a GP appointment. This means faster treatment and less time waiting for your child to feel better.
If your child is experiencing ear pain, tugging at their ears, or showing signs of fever alongside ear discomfort, bring them to see us. The consultation is completely free on the NHS.
How It Works
Visit Us or Book Online
Bring your child to Derby Street Pharmacy during opening hours or book a convenient time online. No GP referral is required.
Pharmacist Assessment
Our pharmacist will examine your child in a private consultation room, assess symptoms, and check for signs of infection.
Treatment Provided
If antibiotics are needed, they will be prescribed and supplied on the spot at no cost. Self-care advice is also provided.
Benefits
- Completely free on the NHS - no prescription charges
- No GP appointment or referral needed
- Same-day assessment and treatment
- Private consultation room for your child
- Antibiotics prescribed by the pharmacist if clinically appropriate
- Expert self-care advice to manage symptoms at home
- Referral to GP or hospital if the condition requires it
Frequently Asked Questions
What age does my child need to be for earache treatment under Pharmacy First?
The NHS Pharmacy First earache service covers children aged 1 to 17. If your child is under 1 year old or you are an adult with earache, our pharmacist can still offer advice and recommend over-the-counter treatments, or refer you to an appropriate healthcare provider.
What symptoms should I look out for?
Common signs of earache in children include pulling or tugging at the ear, crying or irritability (especially in younger children), difficulty sleeping, fever, reduced hearing, fluid draining from the ear, and loss of appetite. If your child is showing any of these signs, bring them in for an assessment.
Will my child definitely get antibiotics?
Not necessarily. Our pharmacist will assess whether antibiotics are clinically appropriate. Many ear infections are viral and resolve on their own with pain management. If antibiotics are needed, they will be prescribed and supplied free of charge. Our pharmacist will also advise on pain relief and self-care measures to help your child feel more comfortable.
Do I need to bring anything to the consultation?
No specific documents are required. However, bringing your child's NHS number or any details of current medications can help the pharmacist provide the best care. If your child has been seen by a GP or other healthcare professional for this issue, please let us know.
When should I go to A&E instead of the pharmacy?
You should seek urgent medical attention if your child has a very high temperature, is unusually drowsy or unresponsive, has swelling or redness around the ear, has a stiff neck, or if there is significant hearing loss. For emergencies, always call 999. For urgent advice, call NHS 111.