Painful swallowing, fever, or a throat that will not settle? Our pharmacists assess sore throats on the NHS for anyone aged 5 and over — using the same clinical scoring GPs use, with antibiotics supplied 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 5 and over.
In these cases we will refer you to your GP, NHS 111 or emergency care — whichever your symptoms need.
Your pharmacist scores your symptoms against the same clinical criteria (FeverPAIN) used across the NHS. Most sore throats are viral and settle with the right self-care — where your score indicates a bacterial infection, we can supply antibiotics under the national protocol, there and then.
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.
Only if your clinical score indicates a likely bacterial infection — most sore throats are viral, and antibiotics make no difference to those. The assessment tells us which yours is.
Yes, from age 5. A parent or guardian should come with them. Under-5s with a sore throat should see a GP.
A five-point NHS scoring system (fever, purulence, rapid onset, inflamed tonsils, no cough) that estimates how likely a sore throat is to be bacterial. Your pharmacist walks through it with you in the consultation.
Difficulty breathing, inability to swallow fluids or saliva, or a muffled voice with severe one-sided pain need emergency care — call 999 or go to A&E rather than waiting for an appointment.
Also treated free under NHS Pharmacy First: