GPs tell patients: “Care for yourselves”

GPs across Warrington are asking patients with minor health problems to “self care”.
Instead of visiting the doctor and seeking a prescription, they should buy over-the-counter medications from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The new policy has been introduced following a formal, 90-day consultation carried out by NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
There was overwhelming support for the policy, with 87 per cent of people agreeing that, unless there were exceptional circumstances or these treatments were needed for a long term condition, these medicines should not be routinely prescribed by a GP for minor short term problems and patients should buy these themselves.
GPs have highlighted the importance of self-care and the “expert on the high street” – the local pharmacist.
Dr Catherine Doyle, local GP and NHS Warrington CCG’s clinical lead for medicines management, said: “In Warrington we spend approximately £1 million per year on prescribing medicines which patients can buy over-the-counter at a much cheaper price than the cost of a prescription.
“This money could be better spent on treating more serious conditions such as heart disease or diabetes and reducing health inequalities across the town.”
Many of the products such as, painkillers, indigestion remedies, health supplements and vitamins are readily available, along with advice, from pharmacies. Most can also be picked up while doing the weekly shop at the local supermarket.
Dr Doyle added: “If you have a minor ailment or illness it can be much quicker and easier to visit your local pharmacist rather than make an appointment with your GP. Pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals, who can give you advice on the right medicines to treat common complaints such as coughs and colds, flu-like symptoms, backache, stomach upsets and cuts and grazes.