Changes to prescribing medicines available over-the-counter
From October, GPs will be encouraged by the three Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland; East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG, Leicester City CCG and West Leicestershire CCG, to reduce the number of prescriptions they provide for medicines and treatments that are already available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket.
This means that GPs, nurses and pharmacists will not routinely prescribe certain medicines for some minor health concerns.
Patients can ensure that their views are heard and that they are prepared for the changes before they are introduced by taking part in a survey. The survey will run until Sunday 9 September 2018 and people can read helpful information before they take part in the online survey by visiting their CCG’s website. Paper copies of the survey, posters and leaflets will also be available at GP surgeries across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and will also be available on the three CCG’s websites.
Downloads
The initiative follows national recommendations from NHS England to encourage people to self-care and to reduce the amount of money the NHS spends on medicines which are available to buy for a cheaper cost over the counter. The recommendations can be read here:
People with long-term health conditions – such as diabetes – or with more complex illnesses, as well as patients on treatments only available on prescription, will not be affected by the changes. The changes will also not apply to those who have found that over the counter products haven’t helped and patients who are unable to treat themselves.
Patients can ensure that their views are heard and that they are prepared for the changes before they are introduced by taking part in a survey.
The survey runs until Sunday 9 September 2018
