Same-Day Infection Treatment

UTI, Throat, and Ear Infection Treatment in Elstree

Same-day private assessment and treatment for urinary tract infections, sore throats, ear infections, and sinus pain. On-site urine dipstick, throat examination, otoscopy — with antibiotic decisions following NICE guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship principles. Adults and children aged 1 and over.

Adult consultation £110 · child consultation £95 (ages 1–15) · antibiotics charged at private prescription rates if needed. For severe back pain with fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or feeling severely unwell — call 999or attend A&E.

When We Can Help

When Same-Day Infection Care Helps

Common infection presentations we see same day:

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Burning when urinating, frequency, urgency, lower abdominal pain, cloudy or bloody urine — same-day urine dipstick on site, antibiotic decision per NICE NG109, and follow-up plan.

Sore throat or tonsillitis

Painful swallowing, swollen glands, fever, white spots on tonsils — examination, FeverPAIN scoring per NICE NG84, antibiotic decision based on clinical severity.

Ear pain (acute otitis media)

Ear pain, fever, hearing changes — otoscopy examination, antibiotic decision per NICE NG91, pain management plan.

Sinus pain and pressure

Persistent facial pain, blocked nose, postnasal drip — assessment, decongestant and analgesia advice, antibiotic only where clinically justified per NICE NG79.

Recurrent UTIs

Multiple UTIs in a year — same-day treatment of the acute infection, plus a discussion of prevention strategies and when specialist urology referral is appropriate.

Persistent or worsening cough

Productive cough, chest pain, fever — examination, decision on whether antibiotics are clinically warranted (most chest infections are viral and don't need them).

Important Safety Information

When You Should Go to A&E, Not Us

Some infections progress to sepsis or hospital-level emergencies. Call 999 or attend A&E directly if any of these apply:

Red flags — A&E directly:

  • Fever with shaking chills, severe back or flank pain — possible pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
  • Difficulty breathing, severe sore throat with drooling, or struggle to swallow saliva — possible peritonsillar abscess or epiglottitis
  • Severe ear pain with fever and swelling/redness behind the ear — possible mastoiditis
  • Confusion, slurred speech, or feeling severely unwell with infection — possible sepsis
  • Pregnant women with UTI symptoms and high fever — needs hospital review
  • Children under 1 with any infection — we don't see; contact GP, NHS 111, or 999
  • Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or cough up blood — possible pneumonia or pulmonary embolism
  • Persistent vomiting preventing oral fluids or medication

Treatment decisions follow NICE NG109 (UTI), NG84 (sore throat), and NG91 (acute otitis media). If unsure, call NHS 111.

Call 999

Your Visit

What Happens at Your Visit

History and examination

When the symptoms started, how they’ve progressed, what you’ve tried, your medical history, and any allergies. Examination of the affected area: throat with swabs if indicated, otoscopy for ears, abdominal exam for UTI presentations.

On-site testing

Urine dipstick (results in minutes) for UTI presentations. FeverPAIN scoring for throat infections. Otoscopy for ear infections. Throat or wound swabs sent to lab where indicated for resistant or recurrent presentations.

Treatment plan

  • On-site investigations: Urine dipstick test for UTI presentations, throat examination with FeverPAIN scoring, otoscopy for ear infections, throat or wound swabs sent to lab where indicated.
  • NICE-aligned antibiotic decisions: Antibiotic prescribing follows NICE guidelines specific to each infection — NG109 for UTI, NG84 for sore throat (FeverPAIN), NG91 for acute otitis media. Antimicrobial stewardship principles applied: not every infection needs antibiotics, and we explain why.
  • Symptom management: Pain relief, antipyretics, decongestants, fluid advice, and self-care guidance to support recovery — most uncomplicated infections resolve with supportive care alone.
  • Onward referral: Suspected sepsis, pyelonephritis, mastoiditis, or peritonsillar abscess — immediate transfer to A&E. Recurrent infections needing specialist review (urology, ENT) are arranged via Centennial's consultants.

Transparent Pricing

What It Costs and How Long It Takes

Consultation fee: £110 adult / £95 child — covers assessment and on-site tests (urine dipstick, otoscopy, throat exam).

Lab tests (urine culture, throat swab if sent for analysis): charged additionally if needed.

Antibiotic prescription (if needed): private prescription via on-site pharmacy.

Time on site: typically 20–40 minutes for an uncomplicated infection consultation.

Insurance: detailed receipts provided for submission.

After Your Visit

Aftercare and Recovery

  • Antibiotic course details, side effects to watch for, and a clear instruction to complete the full course
  • Symptom-management plan: pain relief, antipyretics, fluids, throat lozenges, decongestants — whichever apply
  • Expected recovery timeline: most uncomplicated infections improve significantly within 48–72 hours of antibiotics, or 7–10 days for viral illness
  • UTI prevention advice (hydration, post-coital habits, post-menopausal considerations) for recurrent UTIs
  • Red-flag symptoms: high fever with shaking chills, severe back/flank pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, confusion, severe ear pain with swelling behind the ear — same-day return or A&E

Common Questions

Common Questions about Infection Treatment

Will you give me antibiotics today?

Where they're clinically justified — yes, same visit, dispensed via our on-site pharmacy. We follow NICE guidelines specific to each infection: NG109 for UTI, NG84 for sore throat (FeverPAIN scoring), NG91 for ear infections. Antimicrobial stewardship matters — antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections, not for viral ones where they don't help and would contribute to resistance. We'll explain the decision either way.

How quickly do you do urine tests?

Same visit. Urine dipstick happens during your consultation — results available within minutes. If a more detailed lab analysis is needed (suspected resistant infection, recurrent UTI, complicated presentation), we send a sample to the lab and follow up with results.

What if it's viral and I don't need antibiotics?

That's the most common outcome for sore throats and many ear infections — they're viral and resolve in 7-10 days with supportive care. We'll give you a clear plan: pain relief and antipyretics, fluid advice, what symptoms should bring you back, and what to expect over the recovery timeline. The clinical assessment matters even when antibiotics aren't the answer.

Can you treat children's ear infections?

Yes — children aged 1 and over. Our doctors are experienced in paediatric urgent care. Most childhood ear infections are managed with pain relief and watchful waiting (NICE NG91 supports this for many cases). Antibiotics are reserved for specific clinical features. We don't see children under 1; for younger infants, contact your GP, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.

What about recurring UTIs?

Same-day treatment of the acute infection is the priority — antibiotics, fluid advice, urine dipstick. For frequent recurrence (3+ UTIs in a year), we'll have a longer conversation about prevention strategies (hydration, post-coital prophylaxis, vaginal estrogen for post-menopausal women, cranberry products) and consider whether specialist urology referral is appropriate. Centennial's urologists are available for follow-up.

What does it cost?

Adult consultation £110 / child £95 — covers the doctor's assessment and any on-site test (urine dipstick, throat examination, otoscopy). Antibiotics, if prescribed, are charged at private prescription rates via our on-site pharmacy. We'll explain the total before proceeding.

Walk In or Book Online

Same-Day Infection Treatment

GMC-registered emergency medicine doctors. CQC registered, part of Centennial Medical Care.

Open seven days: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat–Sun 9am–6pm

Centennial Park, Centennial Ave, Elstree, Borehamwood WD6 3FG · Free parking

Last reviewed: 5 May 2026

Need urgent care? We’re here to help.

Walk in 7 days a week or book online. Payment taken securely at the time of booking.

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