NHS Pharmacy First
Earache in children: see a pharmacist first
A pharmacist looks in your child's ear and offers advice, and medicine if it is right for your child. No GP appointment needed.
NHSNHS consultation. Usual prescription charges apply to any medicine supplied.
Who it is for
- Aged 1 to 17
Outside this age range, the pharmacist can still give you advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.
At Lower House Pharmacy, Liverpool L11 2SF
- A private consultation room, not the counter
- No GP appointment or referral needed
- Your GP surgery is sent a record of the consultation
- Your care is delivered by the pharmacy, not by WalkInClinics
Based on our reviewed Earache (NHS Pharmacy First) information.
Reviewed by Benjamin Rawthore, Pharmacist Manager and Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2215432). Last reviewed .
Common signs
- Pain inside the ear
- A high temperature
- Rubbing, pulling or tugging at an ear (in younger children)
- Being irritable, or not responding to quiet sounds
- Fluid coming out of the ear
What the pharmacist does
- Looks inside the ear with an otoscope, which is why this cannot be done by video
- Advises on easing the pain, as most ear infections get better on their own within 3 days
- Offers medicine if it is right for your child under the NHS pathway
- Tells you if your child needs to see a GP or someone else, and helps you get there
Where you can get this
Lower House Pharmacy
Liverpool, L11 2SF
NHS consultation. Usual prescription charges apply to any medicine supplied.
Questions people ask
Can adults use this service for earache?
The NHS Pharmacy First earache pathway is for ages 1 to 17. Adults can still ask the pharmacist for advice, and may need to see a GP for treatment.
Do I have to pay?
The consultation is free on the NHS. The usual prescription charges apply to any medicine you are given, unless you get free prescriptions.
Will my GP practice know?
Yes. The pharmacist updates your GP record after the consultation, so your notes stay complete.
Where this information comes from
Read more
Book at a participating pharmacy
Your care is delivered by the pharmacy, not by WalkInClinics. The pharmacy team checks your eligibility before the appointment goes ahead.