Sore Throat Treatment — NHS Pharmacy First Service
Experiencing a sore throat? Our GPhC-registered pharmacists at NewGen Pharmacy assess your symptoms and provide clinical advice or NHS treatment where appropriate — without the need for a GP appointment.
As a result, adults and children aged 5 and over can therefore access care quickly and conveniently, either by phone or in person at the pharmacy.
What is a Sore Throat?
A sore throat causes pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat, often worsening when you swallow. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections such as colds or flu and usually resolve within 7–10 days.
However, in some cases, a bacterial infection — most commonly Group A Streptococcus — may require antibiotic treatment.
Our pharmacists use validated clinical tools (FeverPAIN or Centor criteria) to assess your symptoms. This helps determine the most appropriate advice or treatment under the NHS Pharmacy First service.
- Pain or discomfort in the throat, particularly when swallowing
- Dry, scratchy, or raw feeling at the back of the throat
- Swollen, red tonsils — sometimes with white patches or pus
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Hoarse or muffled voice
- Mild fever, headache, or feeling generally unwell
Self-Care Advice for Sore Throat
Whether or not antibiotic treatment is required, the following can help relieve symptoms:
- Drink plenty of cool or warm fluids to stay hydrated
- Eat soft, soothing foods that are easier to swallow
- Gargle with warm, slightly salty water (adults and older children only)
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the packaging for pain and fever
- Medicated throat lozenges or sprays may provide temporary relief
- Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke during recovery
Who is this Service Suitable for?
- Adults and children aged 5 years and over with an acute sore throat
- Patients who have not had repeated antibiotic courses for sore throat (recurrent tonsillitis may need GP review)
- Patients without signs of serious complications such as difficulty breathing or swallowing
Seek urgent medical help if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, are drooling, cannot fully open your mouth, or have a very high fever with a stiff neck. Call 999, attend A&E, or call NHS 111 immediately.
How Does the Service Work?
- First, contact us online, by phone, or ask you GP surgery for referral.
- You may be asked to fill in a short questionnaire about your symptoms and medical history.
- Then, our pharmacist assesses your symptoms using FeverPAIN or Centor scoring.
- If consultation is done over the phone you may be asked to provide a photo of the back of your throat.
- In most cases, sore throats are viral, so we provide self-care advice where antibiotics are not needed.
- However, if a bacterial infection is likely, we can supply NHS antibiotics in line with NICE guideline NG84.
- Finally, we can send your medication to your home address.
Important: Antibiotics do not treat viral infections and should only be used when necessary. Our pharmacists follow NICE guideline NG84 to ensure antibiotics are prescribed appropriately. Responsible use helps protect their effectiveness.
Use our online consultation to check whether you or your child (aged 5 and over) is suitable for sore throat treatment under NHS Pharmacy First.
Our pharmacist will review your answers and provide advice or treatment where appropriate.
About Our Services
Is this NHS pharmacy service free?
Most of our services are NHS-funded and free at the point of use. However, standard NHS prescription charges may still apply in some cases. Many patients are exempt, including some children, older adults, pregnant patients, and people with certain medical conditions.
Do I need a GP referral for this service?
No. Most services allow self-referral, so you can contact us directly. However, some services may require referral through another healthcare professional, depending on the clinical pathway.
Who provides my treatment at NewGen Pharmacy?
Our GPhC-registered pharmacists carry out consultations and make treatment decisions in line with current clinical guidance and NHS service requirements.
Am I eligible for this NHS pharmacy service?
Eligibility depends on the service, your age, your symptoms, and your medical history. Our pharmacist will confirm whether the service is suitable for you during the consultation.
Will I receive medication after my consultation?
Not always. Our pharmacist will recommend the most appropriate next step. In some cases, self-care advice is enough. If treatment is clinically appropriate, we may supply medication through the service.
What do I need before my pharmacy consultation?
This depends on the service. Usually, you need to describe your symptoms and provide basic medical information. For some services, you may also need details such as your current medicines, a recent blood pressure reading, or other relevant health information.
Is my pharmacy consultation confidential?
Yes. All consultations follow UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and NHS confidentiality standards. We handle your information securely and only share it when required for your care or by law.
Access, Safety & Support
Can I use this service online or in person?
Yes. Many of our services are available online, and in-person support is also available at our pharmacy. Availability may vary depending on the service.
How quickly will I get a response?
We aim to review consultations on the same day during opening hours. However, some conditions are time-sensitive, so please contact us directly if your symptoms are urgent.
What happens if I am not suitable for treatment?
If this service is not suitable for you, our pharmacist will explain the next step and may refer you to your GP, NHS 111, urgent care, or another appropriate service.
Is NewGen Pharmacy regulated in the UK?
Yes. NewGen Pharmacy is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council and follows UK pharmacy law, NHS service requirements, and current professional standards.
How can I make a complaint?
If you have a concern, please contact our team directly by phone or email. We take all complaints seriously and will explain our complaints process clearly.
Where can I find trusted NHS health information?
You can find general health information on the NHS website and clinical guidance from NICE. If you need help with a specific service, you can also contact our pharmacy team directly.