Asda has rolled out a “vital” new service to customers at 226 of its stores in a ‘UK first’.
The supermarket chain has launched the UK’s first Adult Earache Service to customers aged 18 and over.
The service is priced at £25 and is designed to provide customers with a quick and accessible option for those suffering from earache, or have concerns with their ear health.
Asda says the service will allow customers to book a same-day appointment with a qualified Asda pharmacist, meaning people can avoid the scramble to get a GP appointment.
Pharmacists will examine inside the ear using an otoscope and determine if patients are suffering from Acute Otitis Media.
Patients who require it can be provided with prescription drops from Asda’s pharmacy to help manage their symptoms on the same day as their visit, at no additional cost.
Asda said in the event a patient’s symptoms are more serious and prescription drops aren’t appropriate, pharmacists will then triage them directly to the right NHS service.
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 new earache service mirrors Asda’s popular under 18’s earache service which launched in-stores last year and has so far provided 8,500 patients with ear care.
Asda said it anticipates that its new service will help to alleviate the burden on the NHS for what is a quick and routine check, but can sometimes take weeks to schedule an appointment with a GP.
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.
