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Trying to get medication for cystitis

Posted By worried 47

"Trying to get medication for cystitis"

About: General practices in Ayrshire & Arran

(as a service user),

Cystitis started recently so took the usual sensible steps - increased water intake and avoided caffeine. Took painkillers.  Over 75 so can't get over the counter medication. I knew in the morning I needed an antibiotic as the intensity had increased and I couldn't think.

This is where it went wrong! Phoned the doctors at 8.30 on the dot. Told I am 23rd in the queue. 33 minutes to get through which I can live with to be told all the appointments have gone and phone again tomorrow.

Told them I knew I needed treatment that day and she suggested I go to the pharmacy for painkillers for an infection. Another 24 hours of severe pain to start again at 8.30 the next day. Not good.

Exasperated. 

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Responses

Response from Roisin Kavanagh, Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, NHS Ayrshire and Arran last week
Roisin Kavanagh
Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I am responsible for the pharmacy service in NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Submitted on 23/06/2025 at 12:56
Published on Care Opinion at 13:07

Dear worried47,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing painful symptoms and have been unable to get help so far. I note you said you weren't able to have any over the counter medicines but it is worth going to your local community pharmacy and speaking to the pharmacist as they are able to supply antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) according to set criteria. Not all cases of cystitis require an antibiotic but they will also be able to provide advice to help manage your symptoms even if they aren't able to supply an antibiotic or feel an antibiotic isn't appropriate.

You're doing the right things to help yourself: increasing your fluid intake is a good first step, particularly water, and avoiding drinks that can irritate such as fruit juices and coffee. Taking pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be helpful too so do keep taking them.

I hope you feel better soon.

Kind regards

Roisin

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Update posted by worried 47 (a service user)

Thank you for trying to help. I am well informed about managing cystitis and aware when I would need an antibiotic. I am 78 years old and one of the criteria for a pharmacy supplying medication is you must be under 64. My concern was knowing I needed an antibiotic I could not access help through my GP service or 111 the latter will not engage if the GP Practice is open.

I did get through to the GP Practice the next morning and waited for the phone back service as I was in a lot of pain and having slept badly was also very tired. Finally I received a prescription. 6 little pills later and all is well but next time I may be tempted to find another way of finding help.

Not sure that waiting 40 minutes on a phone to be told there are no appointments, and having to wait 36 hours for medication, is acceptable but perhaps it is the way of the world.

Response from Roisin Kavanagh, Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, NHS Ayrshire and Arran last week
Roisin Kavanagh
Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I am responsible for the pharmacy service in NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Submitted on 24/06/2025 at 09:25
Published on Care Opinion at 09:46

Dear worried 47

I'm sorry that you didn't find my response helpful. If there is anything I can do that would be helpful please get in touch with me directly at roisin.kavanagh@aapct.scot.nhs.uk.

Kind regards

Roisin

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Response from Roisin Kavanagh, Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, NHS Ayrshire and Arran last week
Roisin Kavanagh
Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I am responsible for the pharmacy service in NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Submitted on 24/06/2025 at 12:11
Published on Care Opinion at 13:09

Dear worried 47

I'm pleased to hear that you are feeling better.

For future reference, the age range for community pharmacists being able to supply an antibiotic for a UTI has been extended and there is now no upper age limit. Non-pregnant females aged 16 years or over are eligible for this service. There are other criteria so you may not have been eligible for another reason but your age wouldn't prevent you from accessing treatment from your community pharmacist.

Kind regards

Roisin

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Response from Danielle McNaught, Business Manager, Primary and Urgent Care, NHS Ayrshire & Arran 6 days ago
Danielle McNaught
Business Manager, Primary and Urgent Care,
NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Submitted on 25/06/2025 at 14:50
Published on Care Opinion at 14:50

Dear worried47

Thank you for taking the time to share your health care experience with us via Care Opinion. I am very sorry to hear of the experience you have described at your GP Practice.

The Primary Care Team can liaise with your GP Practice to make them aware of your comments and feedback. To do this, please can you send an email to HSCPAdmin@east-ayrshire.gov.uk (marked for the attention of Primary Care) providing your details and the name of the GP Practice you are registered with. If you wish to remain anonymous, we can feed back your comments to the GP Practice for their awareness and learning.

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I am so very sorry it has not been positive on this occasion.

Kind regards

Danielle

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