Changes to prescriptions for over-the-counter medicines in North Yorkshire
From 1 October, people will instead be encouraged to visit their local pharmacy for advice and treatments for common ailments like coughs and colds, aches and pains, hay fever and sunburn.
The local NHS says there’s no need to make an appointment to see a member of a pharmacy team, making it quicker and easier for patients. It also helps free up GP appointment slots for those who need them most.
Some of the products to treat minor, short-term illnesses can be purchased over-the-counter at a lower cost than that which would be incurred by the NHS.
Some medicines are also available from other retail outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores and health food stores.
NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which buys health services for more than 425,000 people in the county, has now fully adopted the over-the-counter medicines guidance from NHS England, in line with other CCGs across the Humber, Coast and Vale integrated care system, which includes Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby.
The guidance does not affect the prescribing of over-the-counter treatments for long-term conditions or more complex conditions, or where minor illnesses are a symptom or side effect of a more serious condition.
Last year, the NHS in North Yorkshire spent more than £4 million on prescription items that are available over-the-counter. Across the NHS, it’s around £140 million. By reducing the amount of money it spends on over-the-counter medicines, the NHS says it can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes and mental illness.
