Christmas is coming – so stock up on over-the-counter medicines

medicines

Local people are being encouraged to get ready for Christmas by stocking up on inexpensive medicines for minor conditions.

The recommendation was made this week by NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, which said that over-the-counter remedies can ease the symptoms of most common winter illnesses.

Over-the-counter medicines are available from pharmacies, local stores and shops. They include paracetamol and ibuprofen for minor conditions such as colds and flu. These remedies can be bought easily – and usually far more quickly than waiting for a GP appointment and prescription.

What is more, it is estimated to cost the NHS around £50 per GP consultation. In contrast, many over-the-counter medicines cost less than a pound. In fact, it's possible to stock up for winter for less than £10.

It is also estimated that Eastern Cheshire doctors could have up to an extra hour every day for other appointments to manage more complex or urgent health problems if not seeing people with minor conditions.

The CCG's promotion of over-the-counter medicines for minor, self-limiting conditions is in line with a policy it introduced in October to reduce general practice consultations and prescriptions for minor conditions suitable for self-care.

The CCG agreed the policy after it carried out public engagement in August and September that revealed overwhelming support for the approach. Of 481 people taking the CCG's survey, more than 90 per cent agreed that people should buy their own over-the-counter medicines for minor conditions, rather than asking for a prescription.

Dr Graham Duce, CCG Prescribing Lead and GP with Park Green Surgery, Macclesfield said: "Having these remedies at home could help relieve most minor conditions where the best thing to do is let nature takes its course. When you're out and about getting the usual bits for Christmas, it's a good idea to just pick up some of the over-the-counter medications so you've got them ready.

"Most coughs, colds, sore throats and tummy bugs are caused by viruses, and therefore your GP will be unlikely to prescribe antibiotics for these conditions. Instead they can only advise you on self-care and will recommend appropriate over-the-counter medicines. Antibiotics will not cure these common viral illnesses, which people often pick up at this time of year when they join family and friends for seasonal celebrations.

"However, if people aren't sure what the best treatment for them is or they need further advice, they can pop into their local pharmacy. Pharmacists are trained and qualified to give professional, free advice and have a wide range of remedies available. You don't need an appointment to see a pharmacist and many of them also have private consultation rooms."

There is also help, any time day or night, from the NHS Choices website, or by calling 111 free of charge to be connected to an adviser at NHS111.

Tags:
NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG, NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group
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