Children’s Earache Treatment
Is your child suffering from ear pain? At Robertsons Pharmacy, our qualified pharmacists can assess and treat children aged 1 to 17 years for ear infections under the free NHS Pharmacy First service. No GP appointment needed. Contact us today or simply walk in to either of our Bradford branches.
What is NHS Pharmacy First?
The NHS Pharmacy First service, launched on 31 January 2024, allows community pharmacies to assess and treat seven common conditions without patients needing a GP appointment. The service is free on the NHS and follows the same clinical guidelines used in general practice, including input from NICE and the UK Health Security Agency.
Robertsons Pharmacy offers Pharmacy First across both Bradford locations, giving local families faster and more convenient access to the care they need. If you are unsure whether Pharmacy First is right for your child, contact our team, and we will be happy to help.
Children’s Earache (Acute Otitis Media)
Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear and one of the most common childhood illnesses. It causes pain, and sometimes fever or temporary hearing loss. Children aged 1 to 17 years are eligible for a free consultation at Robertsons Pharmacy under the Pharmacy First programme.
No GP referral needed. You can walk in or call either of our Bradford branches directly to speak to a pharmacist about your child’s ear pain.
Common Symptoms of Ear Infections in Children
- Ear pain, which younger children may show as tugging or pulling at the ear
- Difficulty hearing or a sensation of blocked ears
- High temperature (fever)
- Irritability or disturbed sleep
- Discharge or fluid coming from the ear
- Loss of balance in younger children
Is My Child Eligible?
The table below shows who can access the children’s earache pathway at Robertsons Pharmacy under the NHS Pharmacy First service.
| Condition | Eligible Age Range | Prescription Available? | Referral Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection) | 1 to 17 years | Yes, if clinically appropriate | No |
If your child is under 1 year old, or if a pharmacist identifies any red flag symptoms during the consultation, they will refer your child to the appropriate healthcare provider straightaway.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Every pharmacist trains for 5 years in the use of medicines and the management of minor illnesses, making them well placed to provide safe, high-quality care. The Pharmacy First clinical pathways have been developed with input from practising GPs, pharmacists, antimicrobial resistance specialists, and national organisations, including NICE. During your child’s consultation at Robertsons Pharmacy, you can expect:
- A private consultation in one of our dedicated consultation rooms
- A clinical assessment following the NHS Pharmacy First pathway for acute otitis media
- Personalised advice on pain relief, self-care, and looking after your child at home
- A prescription for antibiotic treatment, if the pharmacist decides it is clinically appropriate
- Safety-netting advice, including clear guidance on when to seek further medical help
- A same-day or next working day notification sent to your child’s GP
Consultations are confidential, and no appointment is necessary. Simply visit us or call ahead.
Treatment Options for Children’s Ear Infections
Not every ear infection requires antibiotics. Our pharmacist will assess your child and recommend the most appropriate course of action in line with NHS clinical guidelines.
| Approach | When It Is Used | What It Involves |
|---|---|---|
| Self-care and pain relief | Mild symptoms or early-stage infection | Advice on paracetamol or ibuprofen (age appropriate and as directed by your pharmacist), rest and fluids |
| Delayed prescribing | Moderate symptoms that may resolve without antibiotics | A prescription is provided to use only if symptoms do not improve within a set timeframe |
| Immediate antibiotic treatment | Confirmed or severe bacterial infection | A restricted antibiotic prescription is supplied directly by the pharmacist |
| Onward referral | Red flag symptoms or conditions outside the pathway | Referral to GP, urgent care, or emergency services as appropriate |
When to call 999 or go to A&E: Seek emergency help immediately if your child has a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or a bulging fontanelle in an infant.
Why Choose Robertsons Pharmacy for Pharmacy First?
- Free NHS service with no GP appointment needed
- Walk-in consultations available at both Bradford locations
- Private consultation rooms for a confidential discussion
- Qualified pharmacists trained in assessing and treating children under NHS clinical pathways
- Prescriptions dispensed on site, if required
- Your child’s GP is notified of the consultation outcome
- Part of a wider range of NHS and private health services at both branches
Visit Robertsons Pharmacy in Bradford
We have two convenient locations in Bradford. No appointment is required for Pharmacy First consultations.
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Farrow Medical Centre | 175 Otley Road, Bradford, BD3 0HX |
| Hillside Bridge | Butler Street West, Bradford |
Not sure if your child’s symptoms qualify? Call us on 01274 729170, email info@robertsonshb.co.uk, or get in touch online and our team will be happy to advise you before your visit.
Check If You Are Eligible for Pharmacy First
Find out if you qualify for our free NHS Pharmacy First service. Select your nearest Robertsons Pharmacy branch below to begin your eligibility check.
Farrow Medical Centre, Bradford
2 Butler Street West, Bradford
The check takes only a few minutes and will confirm whether you can be seen at your chosen branch for this service.