Sore Throat Treatment
Free NHS sore throat assessment and treatment. No GP appointment needed — walk in today.
Walk In Today →Understanding Sore Throat
An acute sore throat (pharyngitis) is pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when swallowing. It is one of the most common reasons people seek medical advice and can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.
Common Symptoms
- Painful swallowing
- Swollen or red tonsils
- White patches or pus on tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever
- Hoarse or muffled voice
How We Treat Sore Throat
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our qualified pharmacists can assess your sore throat and provide appropriate treatment without a GP appointment.
- Clinical assessment using FeverPAIN or Centor scoring criteria
- Throat examination
- Pain relief advice (paracetamol, ibuprofen, or medicated lozenges)
- Antibiotic prescription if high clinical score suggests bacterial infection
- Referral to GP if quinsy or peritonsillar abscess is suspected
What You Need to Know
Who Is Eligible
The Pharmacy First sore throat service is available to patients of all ages. No GP referral is needed — simply walk in during our opening hours for a free assessment.
When to Visit
Visit us if your sore throat lasts more than 1 week, you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, you experience recurrent sore throats, or have severe pain on one side.
What to Bring
Bring a list of any current medications and your NHS number if possible. No prescription or GP letter is required. Just walk in during opening hours.
Other Conditions We Treat
Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, we also treat these common conditions free of charge.
Earache
Assessment and treatment for ear infections, especially in children aged 1-17.
Learn More →Sinusitis
Relief for nasal congestion and sinus pain without a GP visit.
Learn More →UTIs in Women
Same-day assessment and antibiotic treatment for women aged 16-64.
Learn More →Shingles
Early antiviral treatment within 72 hours of rash appearing.
Learn More →Impetigo
Assessment and antibiotic treatment for bacterial skin infection.
Learn More →Infected Insect Bites
Treatment for insect bites that have become infected.
Learn More →Sore Throat FAQs
Related Services
Discover more of what we offer at our pharmacy.
Need Help With a Sore Throat?
Walk into our pharmacy for a free NHS consultation. No appointment needed.