Prescribing of “over the counter medicines” is changing

NHS England have issued guidance to prescribers  entitled ‘Prescribing of Over the Counter Medications is changing’. This guidance is a drive to curb GP and pharmacy NHS prescriptions  for OTC products  for various mild conditions eg. dry skin, nappy rash, colic, mild acne, mild cystitis. However, prescriptions may still be issued if there is an established medical diagnosis eg eczema.

Please follow the link for full details: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/prescribing-of-over-the-counter-medicines-is-changing/

We have also added this link to the Patient Information Section of our website ( see home page to find this).    

NHS Calderdale CCG spends more than a £1m each year on medicines which are readily available over-the-counter, a cost which is equivalent to 1,109 cataract operations, 74 Breast Cancer treatments or 35 Community nurses.

In line with national NHS guidance Calderdale CCG has agreed to change its approach to make the best possible use of resources. See Calderdale CCG website for further information https://www.calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/prescribing/

As a result, GPs and nurses in Calderdale practices will no longer issue prescriptions for a number of minor, short term conditions. Patients and the public will be asked to buy these medicines themselves from a pharmacy, supermarket or local shop. Patients with long term conditions requiring a regular supply of these medicines from their GP will continue to receive them on prescription. A patient information leaflet is available here https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1a-over-the-counter-leaflet-v1.pdf

Don’t forget, you can speak to your pharmacist for advice on treating minor ailments and for general health advice.

By visiting your pharmacy you will help to free up valuable GP and nurse time, which can be used to deal with more complex or serious health needs affecting you, your family and the people of Calderdale. A pharmacist will always advise you if they think you need to see a doctor or if an over the counter medicine is not suitable for you.

Health advice and information about your nearest pharmacy and opening times is on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk . Self-care advice is available from http://www.selfcareforum.org/resources/patient-portal/