**
A shocking report from the parliamentary and health service ombudsman has revealed that a five-year-old girl suffered severe trauma and physical distress after a physician associate incorrectly prescribed her a vaginal pessary. The incident, which occurred at a GP practice in the East Midlands, has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of healthcare supervision and the protocols concerning the treatment of young patients.
A Disturbing Medical Oversight
The ombudsman’s investigation uncovered significant lapses in the care provided to the young patient, who sought help for itching and discharge. The physician associate, suspecting a case of thrush, recommended both a vaginal pessary and a cream. However, the girl’s mother believed she was consulting a qualified GP and expressed concerns about the treatment, specifically the size of the pessary. She was assured that the prescription was suitable for her daughter.
Crucially, the ombudsman highlighted that the physician associate lacks the authority to prescribe medication independently; such actions should be overseen by a fully qualified doctor. Alarmingly, there was no prior discussion between the physician associate and a GP before the prescription was authorised. Additionally, the prescribed pessary is deemed inappropriate for prepubescent children, and the girl’s symptoms were more indicative of vulvovaginitis rather than thrush.
The Aftermath of the Incident
Following the insertion of the pessary, the young girl experienced intense pain and bleeding, prompting her mother to seek urgent medical assistance from an out-of-hours doctor. In her distress, the child was so traumatized that she requested not to be examined internally, leading the GP to raise concerns about potential abuse and subsequently involve safeguarding services.
While it was determined that the girl
