Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJane KirbyFriday 05 June 2026 01:44 BSTThe Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) said there were ‘multiple failures’ in the care of the girl (Lynne Cameron/PA))A five-year-old girl experienced pain and bleeding after a physician associate (PA) wrongly prescribed her a vaginal pessary for suspected thrush.The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) identified multiple failures in her care, which led to her mother being questioned about possible sexual abuse.The PA prescribed the medication without a doctor's supervision, despite not having prescribing rights, and the pharmacy failed to query the unsuitable prescription for a child.The girl's symptoms were later correctly diagnosed as vulvovaginitis, and the pessary was deemed inappropriate for her age.The incident has prompted the GP practice and pharmacy to implement changes, and the Royal College of GPs advises that PAs should not see children under 16.In fullGirl, 5, left bleeding and screaming in pain after being wrongly prescribed treatmentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in