Want to save some money?
Read on...
Like Murphy's law would suggest, if your child is going to get poorly, they are going to do so outside of your Doctor's opening hours. Why be ill Monday to Friday, 9 to 5? It's far more fun and exciting to get sick at midnight, heck, it's more fun just to wait until 17:01 on a Friday afternoon.
As our little monkeys will frequently come down with coughs, colds, nappy rash and eczema, chances are you'll find yourself spending a small fortune in your local Pharmacy (Calpol, nappy rash cream, wasp sting spray - so that's where the university fund went)
But you don't have to...
The NHS have created a scheme that can may allow you to get those medicines FOR FREE!
It's not always easy to get a doctors appointment if you have something serious you'd like to discuss, this can be because there are a lot of people making appointments for the small stuff - runny nose, hay fever, mild nappy rash, etc.
As a way to free up some space and reduce the appointment waiting times, the NHS are recommending you seek out help at your pharmacy for these minor ailments.
Your pharmacist will be able to assess you and recommend medications that may help. They will also be able to spot when you need to see the doctor so don't worry about under managing an illness.
If you are entitled to free prescriptions (under 16s, over 60s, etc), and if your pharmacy is part of the Minor Ailments Service, you can get their recommended treatment FOR FREE.
No more forking out for Calpol by the bucket load!
No more wasted pennies on eczema cream!
Need some hay fever relief? Put your purse away, my friend!
Boots are a part of this scheme, as are many other doctors surgeries and local pharmacies across the UK (speak to your local pharmacy to find out if they are a part of it)
So next time the sniffles hit, next time your baby's bum resembles the colour of Rudolph's nose, next time haemorrhoids are being a right pain in the arse, skip the Doctors, save some money and head for the pharmacy.
Here's a list of the kinds of things that your pharmacist may be able to help with:
- Back ache, sprains and strains
- Coughs
- Colds
- Hay fever
- Sore throat
- Conjunctivitis
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Haemorrhoids
- Ear ache
- Mouth ulcers
- Headache and fever
- Head lice
- Conjunctivitis
- Minor fungal infections of skin
- Nappy rash
- Mild eczema or dermatitis
- Teething
- Thrush
- Threadworms
- Insect bites and stings
Are you eligible?
- Do you currently receive free prescriptions?
- Is your Doctor Surgery part of the Minor Ailments Service?
- Are you suffering from a minor illness included in the list above?
So now you know how to save some pennies, share the wealth and let your buddies know.