The 10-minute consultation service is delivered by a pharmacist and includes an initial assessment, a questionnaire, and a throat examination. All Superdrug pharmacists have been trained to offer the service, which includes a swab test if a bacterial infection is suspected, the company said.

The pharmacist will refer patients to a GP if the swab test reveals a bacterial infection and the patient requires further treatment. They can also recommend “alternative treatment options” if antibiotics are not needed.

The service will be “entirely free” to customers “at any of our 200+ pharmacies” until February 26, 2019, and will be subject to the availability of a pharmacist, Superdrug added.

“Reducing pressure on GPs”

Superdrug told C+D the service will help “reduce the pressure on GP surgeries and reduce their unnecessary use of antibiotics”.

“As an accessible pharmacy chain, we believe it’s important to provide our patients with the information they need to make the most informed decision about their healthcare,” the multiple added.

Last month, Lloydspharmacy launched a £4.99 private sore throat consultation service in 600 of its stores in Great Britain.