Another Try with NHS in the UK

Now that Oliver is feeling much better, Lily decided to have a go with the Health System here. She has had congestion for 10 days or so and a fever started this morning of 102 or so. I thought I'd watch her, but then I had a feeling she might have a urinary tract infection. I called the NHS direct again and was directed toward a doctor's office 2 blocks from our home. They call them Surgery Centers here. I'm not sure why, but they do. She was seen at 6pm, which is when they close. The doctor was very nice and he made the determination that she had an ear infection. He could not really test her urine as Lily is not peeing on the potty quite yet...what is she waiting for she is almost 14 months old. ha ha

He told me they stopped giving out antibiotics for ear infections about 2 years ago, because he found that they were normally viral and would run their course. He also told me the infection might be lessened by only 6 hours with the antibiotics. I found that interesting, but when he offered to provide me with a prescription for amoxicillin in case Lily was having a really hard time I took him up on it.

I now understand that this idea is starting to filter through parts of the US, but not in central PA.

Lou told me before I left that I could also try to put a piece of garlic in her ear to eliminate an ear infection, but I haven't given that a try quite yet.

The Pharmacists are called Chemists here and the majority of their offices close at 5 or 6pm. I was able to call a taxi to get the prescription filled at a Tescos. They were open until 10:30pm. I asked the taxi to wait for me, but I found the prescription took about 25 minutes. Oh well...the prescription cost 40 pounds, plus 20 pounds for the taxi ride. What a bargain! At least we are able to submit this to insurance for reimbursement, except for the taxi ride. :-)