Asda has today launched the UK’s first Adult Earache Service offering patients aged 18 and above immediate appointments at any of its 226 pharmacies in England.
Priced at just £25, patients can book same day appointments with a qualified Asda Pharmacists, removing the need to book a GP appointment and thereby reducing the burden on NHS services.
With ear health often overlooked, Asda’s new service is designed to provide a quick and accessible option for patients suffering with earache or those who have concerns with their ear health.
The new offering mirrors the popular under 18’s earache service launched last year and has so far provided 8500 patients with the ear care they required. Asda anticipates that the new service will alleviate the burden on the NHS for what is a quick and routine service but can sometimes take weeks to schedule an appointment with a GP.
Pharmacists will examine inside the ear via an otoscope and determine whether they are suffering from Acute Otitis Media. They can then provide them with prescription drops to help manage their symptoms on the same day as their visit and at no additional cost.
If a patient’s symptoms are more serious and prescription drops are not appropriate, the pharmacist will triage the patient directly to the right place within the NHS and provide reassurance and advice.
Faisal Tuddy, Head of Pharmacy at Asda, said: “We’ve been listening to our patients, and we know that ear health is something many people don’t prioritise until an issue arises, but it’s vital to check your ears regularly. By introducing this service at such an affordable price, we aim to make ear health more accessible for everyone, and help our customers spot any problems before they become more serious.”
The ear checkup service will be available at all Asda pharmacy locations, with patients able to either walk-in when they visit or book an appointment in-store or through the Asda pharmacy website.
For more information on the new ear checkup service or to book an appointment, visit your local Asda pharmacy.
