A bite that is getting redder, hotter, more swollen or more painful may have become infected. Our pharmacists can assess it on the NHS for anyone aged 1 and over — and supply antibiotics the same day where they are needed.
The NHS sets the criteria nationally — if you fall outside them, we will point you to the right service rather than turn you away.
Adults and children aged 1 and over.
In these cases we will refer you to your GP, NHS 111 or emergency care — whichever your symptoms need.
Most bites are inflamed rather than infected — the itchy reaction to the bite itself is normal and settles with simple treatment. Your pharmacist examines the site and distinguishes irritation from true infection; where infection is confirmed, we can supply oral antibiotics under the national protocol at the same visit.
The consultation is free. If a prescription medicine is supplied, the standard NHS prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item) applies unless you are exempt — the same as at your GP.
No GP referral, no NHS registration needed. Just come in while we're open — or ring ahead to check the quietest time.
A trained pharmacist assesses your symptoms against the NHS criteria in our private consultation room — usually 10–15 minutes.
Where treatment is clinically appropriate, we supply it there and then — including prescription-only medicines under the national protocol.
Normal bite reactions are itchy and settle over a few days. Infection typically shows as spreading redness, increasing pain, warmth and swelling — often getting worse 48 hours or more after the bite rather than better. That distinction is exactly what the assessment is for.
Not usually — most bites need nothing more than antihistamines and time, which we can advise on at the counter. Come in for a Pharmacy First assessment if it is getting worse rather than better after a day or two.
The assessment is free on the NHS. If antibiotics are supplied, the standard NHS prescription charge applies unless you are exempt.
Tick bites with a spreading bullseye-shaped rash need a GP assessment for possible Lyme disease — we will refer you rather than treat that here.
Also treated free under NHS Pharmacy First: