May 2015 PPG Minutes
201115_PPPG Minutes.doc
2013_5th_March_website_version.pdf
December 2013 Minutes_Holes Lane Surgery
Current minutes are available from the surgery if you wish to look at them. Please ask at reception.
Medicines for self-care
For discussion at the meeting in May 2015
Warrington CCG recommends that the following types of medicines are suitable for patients to buy for themselves, rather than being prescribed by your GP practice. (In some situations it may be appropriate for your GP still to prescribe these, if there is a true clinical need).
Why this decision has been made?
In Warrington we spent approximately £893,000 year on these medicines. This money could be better spent on treating more serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Many of these products are readily available, along with advice, from their local pharmacy. Some are also available from local shops and supermarkets.
- Everyone in Warrington has the same expectation of what will be provided from their GP practice
For more information please contact the NHS choices website http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx
The medicines that patients are expected to buy are:
Pain killers for minor aches and pains - unless there is an immediate clinical need in which case a small amount may be prescribed to cover the episode
- Coughs and cold remedies – many of these medications do not work very well
- Tonics and health supplements
- Vitamins - unless there is a true clinical need
- Homeopathic remedies – these are not allowed on the NHS in Warrington but patients can buy these remedies themselves
- Ear wax removers – a few drops of olive oil are just as good as anything on prescription
- Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes – except for seriously ill patients
- Indigestion remedies for occasional use
- Creams for bruising, tattoos, and scars
- Hair removal creams
- Moisturisers and bath additives for dry skin - unless confirmed skin condition
- Sun creams
- Foods and food supplements except where clinically indicated – in many cases the ‘food first’ approach is an alternative to specially prepared supplements - see Increasing Dietary Intake, Advice for adults with a poor appetite and who have lost weight (http://www.midmerseymmb.nhs.uk/guidelines/documents/10_18_undernutrition_201210.pdf)