Self Care

Self-care medicines

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.

Full list of self-care medicines

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

Download the Factsheets below:-

1. Low Back Pain

2. Eczema

3. Heartburn and indigestion

4. Fever in children

5. Constipation

6. Headache and migraine

7. Coughs

8. Acne

9. Sprains and strains

14. Urine symptoms in men

15. Mental Health - Happy Ok Sad 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 OUR CLINICAL PHARMACIST FOR ADVICE

If you wish to speak to our Clinical Pharmacist about your medication please contact the surgery to arrange a telephone appointment.

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. Find out more and what you should buy in the Stock up your medicine cabinet leaflet.

NHS Choices Information

NHS Choices 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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Across Warrington, GPs and other Healthcare 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 agreed 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 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 cream (unless diagnosed photo sensitivity as a result of genetic disorders)
Food and food supplements (except on the advice of a dietician)

Why?

NHS Warrington CCG spends approximately £1 million 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.

Over the counter medicines in nurseries and schools.pdf

Consultation Outcomes Report.pdf