Self-care medicines
From Monday 29th January 2018 health professionals in Warrington will no longer prescribe additional medications for short term minor health problems, unless there is a specialist clinical need or for certain other exemptions. This follows on from a public consultation.
- Head lice treatments
- Treatments for infant colic
- Creams/ointments for nappy rash
- Threadworm treatments
- Treatment for vaginal thrush
- Haemorrhoids treatment
- Cough preparations
- Eye care products
- Probiotics
- Treatments for mild acne
- Dandruff and cradle cap treatments
- Baby milks (unless a clinical need for a specialist milk)
- Pain killers for minor aches and pains
- Tonics, vitamins and health supplements
- Ear wax removers
- Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes
- Indigestion remedies for occasional use
- Creams for bruising, tattoos, and scars
- Hair removal creams
- Moisturisers and bath additives for dry skin
- Sun creams
- Foods and food supplements
- Pain relief cream/ointment for short-term use
- Oral antihistamines for hayfever
- Decongestant nasal sprays and tablets
- Teething gels and mouth ulcer treatments
- Vaginal moisturisers
- Warts and verrucae paints
- Heparinoid gel/cream
- Antiperspirants
- Antifungal treatments
- Treatments for bites and stings
- Treatments for cold sores
- Antibacterial eye drops
- Treatment for diarrhoea
Why?
We spend approximately £1 million per year on prescribing these medicines. This money could be and should be spent on other vital treatments for local people and make better use of our precious NHS resources.
For more information please ask at your GP practice reception or visit www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk
What Is Self Care...?
Self care is about looking after yourself in a healthy way. It can be anything from brushing your teeth, doing some exercise, managing common conditions (like headaches, colds and flu) or living with a long-term health problem, such as asthma or diabetes.
Self Care sheets, these are a useful resource to use when you or your family have a common ailment
- Useful facts
- What patients can expect to happen
- What people can do to help themselves – now and in the future
- When to seek medical help (the ‘red flags’)
- Where to find out more
Access the Factsheets here
Mental Health - Happy Ok Sad https://www.happyoksad.org.uk/
Did you know...?
- The NHS belongs to all of us – help us to keep it working smoothly by turning up for appointments
- Every time you see a GP it costs the NHS £43, on average, for a 12-minute consultation
- A visit to Accident and Emergency costs £112
Ask your pharmacist for advice
Your local pharmacist can give you friendly, expert advice on self care and where appropriate over-the-counter medicines that can help with lots of common illnesses and minor ailments.
Stock up your medicine cabinet
To support self care at home you can ensure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked with essential medicines.
NHS UK Information
NHS UK contains a wealth of information about a variety of medical conditions and self care advice to help you manage an illness. Using the tools below you can find out more information about any topic on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk
Over the counter medicines in nurseries and schools (PDF, 300KB)
Consultation Outcomes Report (PDF, 876KB)
Warrington CCG Patient Information Leaflet (PDF, 246KB)