an alternative to the NHS?

Here (South West) we can use an online GP called Livi. It is affiliated with our GP and you can use them at the weekend. It's a private service but paid for by the NHS, your GP does need to participate.

If antibiotics given have not worked, you need to be seen and your toe examined.

There are no 'stronger' than other antibiotics. As more and more people are becoming resistant to the most commonly used ones, other antibiotics are required. We will run out of options soon, and it is likely to be a massive crisis.

No alternative- you need to be examined properly to find the cause and proper treatment. Sepsis and other complications can be very serious, deadly even.

I don’t understand why you are saying the service failed you, because it’s just as likely that the first antibiotic given to you by a doctor who had seen the infection wouldn’t have worked, it’s quite common for that to happen. Why don’t you ring your GP surgery, tell them what’s happened and ask to be seen urgently?

We have a local BMI hospital which has a private GP clinic.
I have never used it so I don’t know how expensive or how easy to use it is.
I was waiting for a prescription there once when a couple came in who had just come straight from Manchester airport and must have been seen straight away as they were also in the pharmacy waiting for a prescription.

Do you have any idea why your toe is infected. Ingrown toe nail? Cut/injury? Are you diabetic?

Your GP is much more likely to have the answer has they have your personal medical history.

An infected can lead to worsening pain and even fever. In some cases, an untreated ingrown toenail can spread the infection to the bone beneath the nail. And, if the infection continues to be left untreated, it can even enter the bloodstream and cause a serious condition, such as sepsis or gangrene.

Not to be messed around with a time wasted.

I’m with fleurpepper on this.
Do not mess about with this please do get it looked out and checked for the appropriate anti biotic treatment and dressing.

My email service at the doctors is excellent and I get a very quick answer
I can’t see why you are blaming the surgery because your body didn’t react to the antibiotics given sometimes the average course isn’t quite long enough or maybe you need a stronger or different course
Ring or email them back
why seek a private practice I don’t understand your post to be honest

NOT an alternative to the NHS - but my daughter recently had a persistent chest infection that she had ignored for too long, with fever and green sputum. She couldn't get an appropriate urgent appointment at the GP surgery for several days. I suggested that she contacted a local private GP service and she was seen the same morning, careful history taking and examination, differential diagnoses talked through and suitable antibiotics prescribed. Worth every penny.

agree with fleurpepper.
i have seen galloping soft tissue infection.
do not take a chance.
never mind about private GPs.
ring your own GP urgently.
or go to an urgent treatment/walk-in centre. pronto.

It might be a fungal infection rather than bacterial, which needs a different type of medication.

Our local Boots had adverts in store for private GP services. I don’t know how much they cost.

Go and see your GP asap. The infection you have could turn to sepsis - and that can be a killer.

Agree re getting seen asap. Neighbour who is a physiotherapist lost a finger due to sepsis. Happened so quickly too. Medics say probably from a scratch or prick whilst clearing up in the garden. Woke up overnight feeling ill and could see “tracking” up her arm and knew immediately. I would go to local minor injuries or ring 111. Good luck.