NHS Pharmacy First
Sore throat: see a pharmacist first
A pharmacist checks whether treatment will help and offers advice, and medicine if it is right for you. No GP appointment needed.
NHSNHS consultation. Usual prescription charges apply to any medicine supplied.
Who it is for
- Aged 5 and over
Outside this age range, the pharmacist can still give you advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.
At Lower House Pharmacy, Liverpool L11 2SF
- A private consultation room, not the counter
- No GP appointment or referral needed
- Your GP surgery is sent a record of the consultation
- Your care is delivered by the pharmacy, not by WalkInClinics
Based on our reviewed Sore throat (NHS Pharmacy First) information.
Reviewed by Benjamin Rawthore, Pharmacist Manager and Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2215432). Last reviewed .
Common signs
- A painful, dry or scratchy throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Swollen glands in the neck
- A high temperature, or feeling generally unwell
What the pharmacist does
- Looks at your symptoms using the scoring the NHS pathway sets out
- Advises on easing the pain, as most sore throats get better on their own within a week
- Offers medicine if it is right for you under the NHS pathway
- Tells you if you need to see a GP or someone else, and helps you get there
Where you can get this
Lower House Pharmacy
Liverpool, L11 2SF
NHS consultation. Usual prescription charges apply to any medicine supplied.
Questions people ask
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Usually not. Most sore throats get better on their own. The pharmacist checks whether treatment will help.
Do I have to pay?
The consultation is free on the NHS. The usual prescription charges apply to any medicine you are given, unless you get free prescriptions.
Will my GP practice know?
Yes. The pharmacist updates your GP record after the consultation, so your notes stay complete.
Where this information comes from
Read more
Book at a participating pharmacy
Your care is delivered by the pharmacy, not by WalkInClinics. The pharmacy team checks your eligibility before the appointment goes ahead.