A survey on whether the local NHS should stop funding the prescription costs of medicines that are readily available over-the-counter for minor conditions like coughs, colds and headaches, has gone live.
The policy proposed by NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) aims to reduce general practice consultations and prescriptions for minor conditions.
It is intended that the policy will help to reduce pressure on health services and encourage people to be 'prepared to self care' with a well-stocked medicines cabinet.
But the CCG wants to hear your views on the draft policy so the opinions of patients and carers can be taken into account before it makes any changes.
The draft policy and associated frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found on the CCG website where you can also complete an online survey.
Self care will free up GP appointments and is expected to give every GP in the area around one extra hour a day to see patients with more complex problems. Additionally, it could save up to £500,000 a year in Eastern Cheshire.
Medicines earmarked for people to buy themselves instead of getting on prescription include:
- Painkillers for minor conditions
- Remedies for diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion
- Cough and cold medication
- Antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medicines
- Sun creams plus creams and ointments for minor skin conditions
- Multivitamins.
The draft prescribing policy was supported last month by Cheshire East Council's health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee, which also backed the CCG's proposal to seek the public's views.
Dr Graham Duce, CCG clinical lead for prescribing and GP with Park Green Surgery, Macclesfield, said: "'A consultation and prescription for a minor condition costs the NHS around £50, but if you buy the medicines yourself you could expect to pay no more than a few pounds, and it could be as little as 20p.
"The CCG is facing significant financial challenges and is working with the public to make best use of the resources available, including asking patients to take as much responsibility as possible for their own health when they can."
Under the policy, medicines unavailable over-the-counter or which are unsuitable for purchase will continue to be available on prescription.
The CCG's draft prescribing policy was developed as part of a financial recovery plan to save £9.7m in 2016-17 to achieve an end-of-year deficit of £3.8m agreed with NHS England.
In common with many health service commissioners in England, the CCG has a widening gap between the funding it gets from NHS England and the cost of delivering essential healthcare.
To bridge the gap, the CCG has agreed plans to work more efficiently with service providers, award contracts offering better value, and stop paying for goods or services that it does not have to fund or which offer limited clinical benefit.
Many CCGs have already agreed similar policies or are planning to do so. For example, in the North West, NHS Warrington CCG and NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale CCG have both introduced similar policies to the one proposed by Eastern Cheshire. NHS South Cheshire CCG and NHS Vale Royal CCG are also currently engaging on a similar draft policy.
Printed versions of the survey can also be found at Eastern Cheshire's 23 GP practices.
Both online and paper surveys must be returned by 5pm on Wednesday 14 September.
Dr Graham Duce.
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