"Frustration, being sent round in circles"

Frustrated, like I was being sent in circles!

I had Tonsillitis symptoms and went to my local pharmacy to seek advice in order to avoid having to contact my GP and waste their time. 

I was told by the pharmacist that I needed to contact my GP and there was nothing they could do, despite me querying their response as the NHS choices website advised that medication is not usually prescribed for Tonsillitis. However, the pharmacist was insistent so I followed their advice.

I then called my GP, couldn't get an appointment and was told to call again in the morning. I had a business meeting  the next day, so called in the afternoon and was advised to visit the walk in centre in Broadmead. 

The nurse at the WIC was confused and advised they don't prescribe anything for Tonsillitis generally and basically gave me self-care advice (the same advice I'd found on NHS Choices, and was looking for /expecting to receive from a pharmacy. 

I feel so frustrated, that I've wasted so much time on phone calls and in the WIC which was unnecessary, had the pharmacist just given me the right advice. 

It is even more frustrating, when waiting for your GP surgery to answer your call, that the hold information advises you to go to a pharmacy for minor ailments (which I did do!!!!!). 

A total waste of time for all involved. Don't tell patients to use a pharmacy when the pharmacies are not giving consistent advice alongside NHS health centres. This has been a misinformation nightmare!