Sore Throat & The NHS Pharmacy First Service
The Pharmacy First service allows community pharmacists in England to assess and treat common conditions – specifically Acute Sore Throat – without the need for a GP appointment. This service offers a faster, more accessible route to expert care.
Who is this service for?
The specific clinical pathway for treating sore throats under Pharmacy First is designed for adults and children.
Eligibility: Adults and children aged 5 years and over.
Condition: Suspected Acute Sore Throat (where symptoms are severe enough to require assessment or suggest a bacterial infection).
Recognising the symptoms
If you or your child are experiencing the following, a pharmacist can help:
Pain
A painful throat, especially when swallowing.
Appearance
Red or swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or pus.
Swelling
Painful or swollen glands in the neck.
Temperature
A high temperature (fever) or feeling hot and shivery.
Associated symptoms
A muffled voice, bad breath, or a headache.
How the service works
You can visit us at Saood Pharmacy with or without a GP referral.
Access: Please call us on 01189572687 or visit the form at the bottom of the page to check eligibility and book an appointment.
Treatment options
If the pharmacist confirms an infection or symptoms that require treatment, they can provide advice and supply medication directly.
Pain Relief: Guidance on the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage pain and fever.
Medicated Gargles/Sprays: Recommendations for over-the-counter sprays or lozenges to soothe the throat.
Antibiotics: If the pharmacist determines the infection is likely bacterial (based on clinical assessment), they can supply antibiotics where appropriate.
Note: If medication is prescribed, standard NHS prescription charges apply (unless
the patient is exempt, e.g., children).
Why visit Saood Pharmacy to treat sore throats?
Convenience
Central town centre location with no need for a GP appointment.
Access
Faster, more accessible route to getting assessed.
Expertise
Our pharmacy teams utilise their clinical expertise to provide reliable guidance on managing sore throats and selecting the most effective treatment options for your needs.
Advice and treatment for other common conditions in Saood pharmacy Reading
The Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways Service is an NHS service designed to offer free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions including sore throats. Patients can access this service at Saood Pharmacy in Central Reading. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:
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Earache
Read more: EaracheThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and provide treatment advice for earache in children and young people aged 1–17 years — helping you access fast, convenient care without needing a GP appointment.
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FLU NHS/PRIVATE
Read more: FLU NHS/PRIVATEFlu Vaccination Service Protect yourself this winter with our NHS and private flu vaccination service. Our trained pharmacists provide quick, safe, and convenient flu jabs to help keep you and your family protected during flu season.
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HEP B
Read more: HEP BPrivate Hepatitis B Vaccination Service We offer a private Hepatitis B vaccination service for individuals seeking protection for travel, work, or personal health reasons. Delivered by trained pharmacists in a safe and convenient setting, our service provides flexible appointments without the need for a GP referral.
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Impetigo
Read more: ImpetigoThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat impetigo in patients aged 1 year and above, without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a fast, convenient way to access expert advice and treatment for this common skin condition.
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Infected Insect Bites
Read more: Infected Insect BitesThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat infected insect bites and stings without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a faster, more accessible way to receive expert advice and appropriate treatment.
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NHS Contraception
Read more: NHS ContraceptionOur pharmacy offers a confidential NHS contraception service, providing advice and ongoing supply of oral contraception without the need for a GP appointment. Our trained pharmacists are here to support you with safe, convenient access to contraceptive care.
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NMS
Read more: NMSOur NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) provides support for patients who have recently started a new medication for certain long-term conditions. Our pharmacists offer advice, answer any questions, and help you get the most from your treatment through confidential follow-up consultations.
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Shingles
Read more: ShinglesThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat shingles without the need for a GP appointment. This offers a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help manage symptoms and support recovery.
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Sinusitis
Read more: SinusitisThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat acute sinusitis without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
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Supervised Consumption
Read more: Supervised ConsumptionSupervised Consumption Service We provide a confidential and supportive supervised consumption service for patients prescribed certain medicines as part of their treatment programme. Our trained pharmacy team offers a safe, professional environment while helping support your ongoing care and wellbeing.
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Uncomplicated UTI
Read more: Uncomplicated UTIThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in eligible patients without the need for a GP appointment. This offers a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
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