ABOUT £2m is spent in Barnsley every year prescribing medicines for conditions classed as minor which may have been available to people over the counter, local NHS bosses say.
Barnsley CCG, which commission’s the town’s GP services, is asking people for their views on new guidance which encourages people to self-care for minor and short term conditions, and to buy over the counter medicines rather than seeking prescriptions from their GP.
Minor conditions include common colds, coughs, constipation and indigestion.
The new guidance aims to reduce the routine prescribing of products for both self-limiting conditions and conditions that can be treated through self care.
Self limiting conditions are illnesses that don’t need any medical attention as symptoms and illnesses will soon clear up on their own and self care conditions are minor illnesses that can be treated with medicines that are purchased over the counter.
Under the new guidance, those visiting their GP with a minor condition will be given advice on how to treat it but will not be given a prescription.
The guidance will not affect prescribing of over the counter items for longer term or more complex conditions, or where minor illnesses are symptomatic of a side effect of something more serious.
Dr Nick Balac, chairman of NHS Barnsley CCG, said: “It’s important to remember that this is for those conditions that although the symptoms might feel uncomfortable, you don’t need medical advice and they will clear up on their own, or you can get symptom relief from medicines you can buy over the counter.
“Most people already buy their mouth ulcer treatments for example from a pharmacy or store.
“It’s our job to promote safe self-care to patients and the public and ensure the health budget for Barnsley is spent as effectively as possible.
“We’ve been talking to local patient groups about this during the national consultation by NHS England and now we’re keen to hear from the wider public before this comes into effect across Barnsley.
“It’s important for people to remember that even with this new guidance, if something isn’t clearing up, or your symptoms are getting worse, you should still continue to seek advice from your GP practice or local pharmacist.”
The closing date to give feedback is September 5. Feedback forms are available in GP surgeries and pharmacies, and online at barnsleyccg.nhs.uk/haveyoursay
