Blackburn with Darwen CCG survey in regards to ceasing prescriptions for minor ailments

NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group continuously reviews the services it commissions or “buys” to ensure that the local health budget is spent as effectively as possible, whilst minimising waste and promoting self-care.

The CCG is proposing to stop prescribing treatments and medicines for short-term, minor conditions or where there is insufficient evidence that they improve symptoms or where they aren't value for money.

Many of these medicines are now widely available over the counter (in pharmacies or shops) at a low cost price or cheaper than an NHS prescription. Many are prescribed for conditions that have no clinical need of treatment.

The CCG wants to encourage people to "self-care" - which means that people take more responsbility for their own health and wellbeing where they can. For instance pharmacies are a good source of advice and support and can release GP time to treat people with more serious conditions.

The CCG wants its limited medicines budget to be used for the treatment of more serious conditions. It currently spends £663,042 a year on prescriptions for items that are available over the counter for self-care and wants your views on its proposals to these prescriptions in the future.

1. Please state whether you agree with the proposal to stop prescribing the 'over the counter' treatments and medicines including those listed below.

It is important that we reach and listen to the views of as many people in Blackburn with Darwen as possible during the consultation. To help us ensure that our consultation is fair and doesn't leave anyone out, please take time to answer the questions below.

We won't share your information with anyone else and will only use it to help us make decisions and improve services.

If you would rather not answer these questions you don't have to.

Thank you.