Free Calpol from GP?

bylromarha

Can anyone point me to anything official regarding this?

My GP is refusing to issue and tells me I have to pay for it over the counter.

My childminder is refusing to give my kids Calpol unless it is issued by the GP (which I completely understand)

But if my GP won't issue on prescription, how can I give a bottle to my childminder for the rare times my kids need it when in her care?

hermanmunster_3

GPs often have a policy not to prescribe calpol - there are cheaper alternatives available over the counter anyway.

I never had a problem with the child minder giving kids calpol - why don't you ask her to phone you to OK it

workinmummy

Do you know if any of your local chemist subscribe to the Minor Ailment Scheme. If so you can get Calpol or similar, free through that for the participating chemist.

Hope that helps.

bylromarha

GP issued it fine a year ago - and not sure what is cheaper than free on prescription!

Childminder did ring to check the 1 time she gave it, but the guidance given by the childminding authorities say it must be GP issued. To cover her back, I know why she's sticking to them, and fully agree with why.

Toothsmith

bylromarha wrote: »

GP issued it fine a year ago - and not sure what is cheaper than free on prescription!
.

What was the G.P. issuing it for?

It's one thing to take the child to the G.P. with a problem, and for him to say "You just need some Calpol for that - here's a prescription"

It's completely another for you to ring up and say "Can I have some free medicine - the child's not ill at the moment, but it's for if/when they become ill."

In the second case, it would actually be unethical for a Dr to prescribe.

kerrydrobertson

my GP always asks me if i need any when i take the kids in for anything and is more than happy to give me prescriptions for it and ibuprofen too

alison999

When my DD was a baby the health visitor was awful whenever you asked for calpol perscription even though they advised her to have i after having injections.

Dont you have some left from when your child has been sick? Maybe Im lucky but I cant remember the last time I used a full bottle of Calpol usually i have to bin whats left after its expired

Janepig

I would never go to my GP specifically to get Calpol free. Firstly I'm not that hard up (and I refuse to believe that anyone is), and secondly my GP's surgery is hell on earth and me and my children have to be close to death before we venture there. I've paid £7 for a tub of epiderm before now rather than go back to the GP for some more.

I also don't understand why a child minder won't give medicine unless it's on prescription. When my two were in day nursery you had to leave some calpol sachets there permanently and sign a form to say you were willing for them to give it as and when needed. Then if they did give it, it was written in a book which you had to sign when you picked them up. Just another reason why I'm glad I chose a nursery over a childminder I guess.

Jxx

bylromarha

Toothsmith wrote: »

What was the G.P. issuing it for?

It's one thing to take the child to the G.P. with a problem, and for him to say "You just need some Calpol for that - here's a prescription"

It's completely another for you to ring up and say "Can I have some free medicine - the child's not ill at the moment, but it's for if/when they become ill."

In the second case, it would actually be unethical for a Dr to prescribe.

Dr was fine with it in the second case a year ago when I asked for some to be issued to leave at the childminders with the names on, (during my appointment-no child with me). No longer fine with it, it seems.

No point in purchasing some to leave at the childminders if she's following OFSTED guidelines and is unable to use it.

Am surprised that a nursery would issue Calpol as they deem necessary- it flies in the face of Ofsted recommendations (though not in loco parentis, but that's another thread!) Schools aren't even allowed to issue Dr issued medication with clear instructions. I'm having to go in every day next week at 11am to rub cream on my sons finger as it needs to be done 4 times a day and school are not allowed to issue medicines, Dr prescribed or not.

Either way, my dilemma still stands. The rare occasion my son needs Calpol at the childminders, he'll be unable to have it as the Dr has changed their mind about issuing.

purple12

Every time the GP prescribes, there is a cost to the NHS. Prescriptions are not 'free'. Thpse who don't pay are being subsidised (which I have absolutely no problem with, for the record) - but there is a cost incurred somewhere down the line.

xmaslolly76

My doctor will prescribe Medinol i believe its called (cheap alternative to calpol) but only when he has seen the child poorly i can't just ring up and ask for it so i have a supply just incase they need it. Maybe thats why the doctor wouldnt prescribe it in this instance. :-)