Proposed changes to NHS prescriptions in Bromley

Wildlife explorers at Spring Park
26th September 2017
Metropolitan Police Crime Data – West Wickham
21st October 2017
Wildlife explorers at Spring Park
26th September 2017
Metropolitan Police Crime Data – West Wickham
21st October 2017

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed changes to NHS prescriptions in Bromley

NHS Bromley CCG is seeking the views of the public on proposed changes to what is available on prescription in Bromley.    The CCG is proposing to no longer support the routine prescribing of health supplements and self-care medications for short term minor illnesses and injuries that will get better over time.

Dr Andrew Parson, Clinical Chair of the CCG said, “We want to support people to lead longer, healthier lives in Bromley.  We want them to take care of their minor ailments and injuries at home and seek help when it is needed.   

“After careful consideration and discussion with local health professionals and our GP members, we are proposing to no longer support the routine prescribing of health supplements and self-care medications for acute illnesses that will get better over time.

The Bromley population is growing and we have to carefully consider how we use our finite resources to get the best health and wellbeing outcomes for our residents.   By asking people to purchase their own self-care medicines such as paracetomol, antihistamines, cough medicines etc, we could potentially save up to a £1million which can be better spent on other health treatments.  This proposal could also help to ease the pressure on GPs by reducing the amount of time spent seeing patients with minor ailments that could be treated at home and have more time to support those with complex health conditions.

“We encourage people to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home and seek advice from their pharmacist for minor ailments and injuries.   Pharmacists are experienced clinicians who can provide a range of advice.  They will also advise when someone does need to see their GP”.

The medicines covered in this proposal can be purchased from a pharmacy or a supermarket.   This is not just a Bromley proposal.  NHS England recently announced that efforts need to be made to get better value for money in the NHS and eliminate waste.  CCGs in other parts of the country have either already implemented similar arrangements or are in the process of doing so.

To have your say on these proposals please read the proposal leaflet on the CCG website at www.bromleyccg.nhs.uk  and use the online survey.   You can also email brooccg.contactus@nhs.net or call 01689 866544

Views are being sought up to 8 October and a decision will be made at the Bromley CCG Governing Body meeting on 16 November 2017 which is held in public. 

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