Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group recently carried out a public consultation on behalf of all GP practices asking if it is appropriate to use NHS resources to routinely prescribe medicines for short term minor ailments or conditions when the respective medicine can be bought from a pharmacy or supermarket at a significantly lower cost than it would be issuing the same product on a prescription.
An average of 73% of respondents agreed with the proposals that such items should not routinely be prescribed.
Following the consultation we will provide you with supporting information and resources to help with the self-management of short term/minor conditions but will not routinely prescribe products that can be purchased from a pharmacy or supermarket.
The following products will therefore no longer routinely be prescribed:
Antifungal treatments
* Antihistamines
* Antiperspirants
* Bites and stings treatments
* Blepharitis wipes/lotion
* Conjunctivitis treatments
* Dandruff – cradle cap treatments
* Diarrhoea treatment
* Ear wax removers
* Emollients for mild dry skin conditions
* Headlice treatment
* Health supplements
* Indigestion / heartburn remedies
* Nasal decongestants
* Nicotine Replacement
* Simple pain relief
* Sore throat treatments
* Sunscreens
* Teething treatments
* Vitamins
* Warts and verruca treatments
Your local pharmacist will be able to recommend suitable products and provide self-care advice.
Additionally a range of handouts/leaflets are available from your surgery to help you manage these conditions.
Further information about self-treating a range of common, minor ailments is also available on line on the NHS Choices website – www.nhs.uk
If you would like to make any comments on these changes please contact the Clinical Commissioning Group Customer Care Team at:
Jubilee House, Lancashire Business Park, Leyland, PR26 6TR;
Freephone: 0800 032 2424; Telephone: 01772 777952; Textphone: 01772 227005;
Email: [email protected]
