Antibiotics

When It’s Appropriate — and Why Judicious Use Matters

At OneMedicine, we provide safe, evidence-based private GP care — and yes, we can prescribe antibiotics when clinically appropriate. But antibiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and they are never prescribed lightly.

This article explains when, where, and why antibiotics may be prescribed by a private GP, and how our approach follows national safety standards — including careful consideration of allergies, intolerances, timing of treatment, and the urgency required in serious infections like sepsis.

Can a Private GP Prescribe Antibiotics?

Yes. All GMC-registered doctors at OneMedicine are licensed to prescribe the same antibiotics as NHS GPs — from first-line treatments like amoxicillin to more targeted medications when needed.

Prescriptions are issued during in-person or video consultations, and can be:

• Sent electronically to your local pharmacy
• Printed during your clinic visit
• Supplied from our on-site dispensing stock (where available)

We can prescribe antibiotics for both adults and children, provided a full clinical assessment supports it.

When Do We Prescribe Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are only prescribed when clearly indicated, such as for:

• Confirmed bacterial infections (e.g. tonsillitis, UTIs, bacterial pneumonia)
• Skin infections like cellulitis or infected wounds
• Travel-related infections or medical prophylaxis
• Post-surgical infections or wound care
• Sexually transmitted infections (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea — where testing supports treatment)
• Rescue packs

We do not routinely prescribe antibiotics for:

• Common colds
• Most sore throats or sinusitis
• Uncomplicated viral infections

Every prescription is tailored to your medical history, symptoms, and relevant guidance.

Early Treatment Can Be More Effective

When antibiotics are needed, starting treatment earlier during the course of a bacterial infection is generally more effective at reducing symptoms and preventing complications. Delayed antibiotic use can sometimes allow infections to worsen or spread.

Early Antibiotic Treatment in Sepsis Saves Lives

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that requires urgent medical attention. Multiple clinical studies have consistently shown that earlier administration of appropriate antibiotics in suspected sepsis cases significantly reduces mortality.

• Each hour of delay in starting antibiotics increases the risk of death.
• Prompt antibiotic treatment, combined with supportive care, improves patient outcomes dramatically.
• This is why rapid assessment and treatment in sepsis is a key priority in both NHS and private GP care.

At OneMedicine, our GPs are trained to recognise signs of sepsis early and will act swiftly to start appropriate antibiotics, arrange urgent investigations, or hospital referral where necessary.

Allergy and Intolerance Checks: A Vital Step

Before prescribing any antibiotic, our doctors always:

• Review your full allergy history carefully, and do make sure to inform us of any allergies, in your pre-appointment questionnaire.
• Ask about any previous reactions to antibiotics or other medications
• Consider intolerances or side effects you may have experienced

This ensures we select the safest antibiotic option for you, reducing the risk of adverse reactions such as allergic responses or intolerances like gastrointestinal upset.

If you have a known allergy to common antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), we will prescribe alternative treatments supported by clinical guidelines.

How Do You Know If You Need Antibiotics? That’s where our clinical judgement comes in.

During your consultation, we’ll:

• Take a detailed history of your symptoms
• Perform an examination (where applicable)
• Consider diagnostic tests if needed (e.g., urine dip, CRP, throat swab, or chest exam)
• Explain the natural course of the illness and whether antibiotics will help

We’ll only prescribe them when the benefits outweigh the risks, and when national guidelines (e.g., NICE, PHE) support the decision.

Do Private GPs Follow the Same Guidelines?

Yes. OneMedicine GPs follow:

• NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance
• UK Health Security Agency and BNF prescribing standards
• GMC ethical guidance for safe, evidence-based practice
• CQC-regulated clinical governance and prescription audits

Our doctors are not incentivised to overprescribe — and we take antibiotic stewardship seriously to prevent resistance.

Why Antibiotic Stewardship Matters

Antibiotics are life-saving — but they are not risk-free.

Overuse of antibiotics can lead to:

• Resistance: bacteria evolve, making antibiotics less effective
• Side effects: including diarrhoea, thrush, rashes, or allergic reactions
• Delayed recovery: when inappropriate antibiotics are given for viral illnesses
• Harm to the gut microbiome, increasing long-term health risks

At OneMedicine, we focus on doing what’s right for the patient — and for public health.

Judicious Prescribing: What You Can Expect

If antibiotics aren’t appropriate:

• We’ll explain why — clearly and respectfully
• Offer self-care advice, symptom relief options, and red flag signs to watch for
• Provide follow-up if things don’t improve
• Arrange diagnostic testing where needed to clarify the diagnosis
• Support you with return-to-work fit notes, where relevant

If they are appropriate:

• We’ll prescribe the right drug, right dose, right duration
• Discuss possible side effects and allergy considerations
• Issue repeat courses only where clinically justified

Private GP vs NHS GP: Any Differences?

Clinically, there’s no difference in prescribing authority — but OneMedicine offers:

• Same-day appointments, no waitlists
• Longer consultation time to explain and educate
• Convenient e-prescriptions sent directly to pharmacies
• The ability to combine diagnosis and treatment in one visit

Book With Confidence

At OneMedicine, we combine fast access with safe, ethical prescribing.
You’ll always be seen by a GMC-registered doctor, working within CQC-regulated standards, and who puts your health — and the health of the wider community — first.

Need to speak to a GP today about possible infection or antibiotics?
Book a private consultation with OneMedicine, in person or online.