Across Warrington, GP’s and other health professionals will no longer routinely prescribe medications for short term minor health problems.
NHS Warrington CCG undertook a formal public consultation on these proposals which received overwhelming support. On average, 87% of people agree that, unless there are exceptional circumstances, patients will be expected to buy the medicines listed below themselves over the counter at a local pharmacy or supermarket.
Medicines include
- Pain killers for minor aches and pains
- Tonics, health supplements and vitamins
- Earwax remover
- Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes gargles & toothpastes
- Indigestion remedies for occasional use
- Hair removal creams
- Moisturisers and bath additives for dry skin
- Sun creams (unless diagnosed photosensitivity as a result of genetic disorder)
- Food and food supplements (except on the advice of a dietician)
- Creams for bruising, tattoos and scars
Why?
NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) spends approximately £1million per year on prescribing 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 local pharmacies. Some are also available from local shops and supermarkets
@WarringtonCCG
www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk
Dealing with Addictive Medication including Sleeping Tablets and Tranquilizers
We endeavor to help people reduce and eventually stop taking medication known as Benzodiazepines (commonly called Valium, Diazepam, Temazepam, Nitrazepam and Lorazepam) some sleeping tablets and some prescription painkillers.
These tablets can be very addictive and also have some unpleasant side effects.
Please note: this practice only prescribes methadone in conjuction with the community drug team.
How do I get a prescription?
You will be offered a medical checkup with the nurse before any prescription is given. This allows us to ensure that you are physically and mentally well.
All Benzodiazepine medication is recorded (Prescribed and street) and your total daily dose calculated.
This is then converted to an equivalent dose of diazepam (Valium) as it is the easiest type to reduce down.
This will only be given in 2mg doses. You may well be offered an alternative medication to take as well if you have bad nerves.
Your prescription will be issued weekly until your full records arrive from your previous GP.
What happens if I lose my prescription or it gets stolen (if it is a controlled Drug)?
You must inform the loss to the surgery as soon as possible and also report it to the local police. The out of hours Doctors are informed NOT to issue any repeat prescriptions for the drugs mentioned previously. You will be able to contact the surgery and receive a fresh prescription once you have the crime number from the police station. You will receive daily prescriptions for one week following a lost prescription.
Can I have my prescription early? What if I go away?
Sorry, prescriptions are NEVER issued early for reducing course, even if you feel it is an emergency. You must book a routine appointment whenever you want to discuss your prescription. There are NO EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS.
For reducing prescriptions, If you go away, then you will have to see a GP as a temporary patient if you run out of tablets. Please remember: that some GPs will not prescribe these tablets to temporary patients, so any trip away will need careful planning.