The patient – who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of being blacklisted from the practice – said they were told at Princes Park Health Centre in Eastbourne "not to use the pharmacy next door" for a flu jab, because the pharmacy "gets paid more than the doctor".

“I can see they are taking this message to the next level,” the patient told C+D last Friday (October 13).

“Variety and volume” of services at risk

A notice (pictured above) produced by the GP practice reads: “Every flu jab that anyone has done elsewhere means fewer resources that we can afford to provide for you and your family.”

“If you choose to have your injection somewhere else, such as a pharmacy or a supermarket, it could put the variety and volume of services we are able to offer at risk.”

The patient described this as a “short sighted and frankly selfish approach to our health”.

“Surely more people vaccinated means less pressure on [GPs] when people fall ill?” the patient questioned.

Pharmacies doing a “brilliant job”

The patient said that pharmacies “do a brilliant job” and GPs are “seemingly working against the pharmacy sector”, which is “really sad to see”.

“Doctors are jealous because someone is taking some money too,” the patient claimed. “How can they get away with it?”

C+D has contacted the GP practice for comment. It has also passed on details of the patient's complaint to the General Medical Council.

Have you experienced your local GP surgery directing patients away from your flu service? Let C+D know by emailing [email protected]