A CHANGE to the prescribing of medicines for 35 minor, short-term conditions has meant that the treatments will now be available over the counter.

Wiltshire Clinical Group (CCG) is following new guidance set out by NHS England in March 2018, meaning that the medicines will no longer be routinely prescribed.

The guidance has been published following a period of national public consultation and recommends that over the counter medicines associated with minor, short-term conditions which get better by themselves, or can be self-treated by the patient, should no longer be available on NHS prescription.

Medicines under the guidance include treatments for coughs, colds, dandruff, mild cystitis, nappy rash, warts and verrucae, ear wax, head lice and mild dry skin. In the year prior to June 2017 the NHS spent approximately £569million on prescription medicines, which could have been bought over the counter from a pharmacy or other retail outlet.

Dr Richard Sandford-Hill, Clinical Chair of Wiltshire CCG and GP at Market Lavington Surgery explains: “The cost of medicines to the NHS is significantly higher than those available to buy over the counter and because all licensed medicines are regulated by the Medicines and Health Regulatory Authority, they really are as good as your GP can prescribe.

“For this reason we are encouraging people to seek advice from a pharmacist and buy their medicines over the counter where they can.”

Patients who contact their GP Practice to make an appointment regarding any of the 35 minor, short-term conditions may be advised by the receptionist to seek advice from a pharmacist instead.

Dr Sandford-Hill continues: “By not routinely prescribing treatments for the 35 minor, short-term conditions and encouraging people to seek advice from a pharmacist and buy medicines over the counter where they can, means we will also free up valuable GP Practice appointments for those people who really need them.”

Alison Kidner, Community and Practice Pharmacist in Salisbury comments: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to encourage patients to engage with their community pharmacy teams. By visiting the pharmacy it means your GP’s time is freed up for those who really do need an appointment”.

For more information visit www.wiltshireccg.nhs.uk/over-the-counter