Earache & The NHS Pharmacy First Service
The Pharmacy First service allows community pharmacists in England to assess and treat common conditions—specifically Acute Otitis Media (middle ear infection) – without the need for a GP appointment. This service offers a faster, more accessible route to expert care.
Who is this service for?
This specific clinical pathway for treating ear infections under Pharmacy First is designed for children and teenagers.
Eligibility: Children and young people aged 1 to 17 years old.
Condition: Suspected Acute Otitis Media (middle ear infection).
Recognising the symptoms
If you or your child are experiencing the following, a pharmacist can help:
Pain
Earache, or in young children, pulling/rubbing the ear.
Fever
High temperature.
Discharge
Fluid leaking from the ear.
Hearing Changes
Muffled hearing or a sensation of pressure/fullness.
Behavioural Changes
Irritability, crying, lack of energy, or difficulty sleeping.
Associated Pain
Pain when swallowing or balance issues.
How the service works
You can visit us at Saood Pharmacy with or without a GP referral.
Access: Please call us on 01189572687 or visit the form at the bottom of the page to check eligibility and book an appointment.
Consultation: You will have a private consultation with a highly trained pharmacist
which includes taking a patient history.
Assessment: The pharmacist will examine the ear (otoscopy) and review symptoms
to determine if it is a bacterial infection.
Treatment options
If the pharmacist confirms an infection that requires treatment, they can supply medication directly.
Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics (tablets, capsules, or liquid) can be prescribed if clinically
appropriate.
Ear Drops: Drops may be provided to help relieve pain and symptoms.
Self-Care Advice: Drops may be provided to help relieve pain and symptoms.
Note: If medication is prescribed, standard NHS prescription charges apply (unless
the patient is exempt, e.g., children).
Why visit Saood Pharmacy to treat earache?
Convenience
Central town centre location with no need for a GP appointment.
Speed
Faster, more accessible route to getting assessed.
Expertise
Our pharmacy teams utilise their clinical expertise to provide reliable guidance on managing earache and selecting the most effective treatment options for your needs.
Advice and treatment for other common conditions in Saood pharmacy Reading
The Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways Service is an NHS service designed to offer
free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions
including Earache. Patients can access this service at Saood Pharmacy in Central
Reading. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:
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HEP B
Read more: HEP BPrivate Hepatitis B Vaccination Service We offer a private Hepatitis B vaccination service for individuals seeking protection for travel, work, or personal health reasons. Delivered by trained pharmacists in a safe and convenient setting, our service provides flexible appointments without the need for a GP referral.
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Impetigo
Read more: ImpetigoThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat impetigo in patients aged 1 year and above, without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a fast, convenient way to access expert advice and treatment for this common skin condition.
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Infected Insect Bites
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NHS Contraception
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NMS
Read more: NMSOur NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) provides support for patients who have recently started a new medication for certain long-term conditions. Our pharmacists offer advice, answer any questions, and help you get the most from your treatment through confidential follow-up consultations.
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Shingles
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Sinusitis
Read more: SinusitisThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat acute sinusitis without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
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Sore Throat
Read more: Sore ThroatThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat sore throats without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
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Supervised Consumption
Read more: Supervised ConsumptionSupervised Consumption Service We provide a confidential and supportive supervised consumption service for patients prescribed certain medicines as part of their treatment programme. Our trained pharmacy team offers a safe, professional environment while helping support your ongoing care and wellbeing.
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Uncomplicated UTI
Read more: Uncomplicated UTIThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in eligible patients without the need for a GP appointment. This offers a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
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