In line with NHS England recommendations, GP’s have been asked to stop prescribing medicine for 35 minor conditions listed on this page.

The NHS wants people to have the confidence to look after themselves where they can. This gives people greater control of their health without the need to visit their GP for minor conditions.

Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns, even if you qualify for free prescriptions. Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.

The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need.

• Acute sore throat
• Conjunctivitis
• Coughs, colds and nasal congestion
• Cradle cap
• Dandruff
• Diarrhoea (adults)
• Dry eyes/sore tired eyes
• Earwax
• Excessive sweating
• Haemorrhoids
• Head lice
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Infant colic
• Infrequent cold sores of the lip
• Infrequent constipation
• Infrequent migraine
• Insect bites and stings
• Mild acne
• Minor burns and scalds
• Mild cystitis
• Mild dry skin
• Mild irritant dermatitis
• Mild to moderate hay fever
• Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and fever (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)
• Mouth ulcers
• Nappy rash
• Oral thrush
• Prevention of tooth decay
• Ringworm/athlete’s foot
• Sunburn
• Sun protection
• Teething/mild toothache
• Threadworms
• Travel sickness
• Warts and verrucae

Why does the NHS want to reduce prescribing of over the counter medicines?

The NHS needs to make difficult choices about where money is spent to get the most benefit for patients.

The NHS wants for each medicine prescribed to offer the best opportunity for improved health and wellbeing. For the most part, prescribing of over-the-counter medicines does not achieve this. The NHS has been spending around £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicines that can be bought from a pharmacy or supermarket. By reducing the amount the NHS spends on over the counter medicines we can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and mental health problems.

For further information, the NHS has produced a leaflet explaining changes to prescribing of OTC medicines.

Prescription requests cannot be accepted over the phone as this can lead to mistakes.

Therefore requests for repeat prescriptions must be made utilising one of the convenient and easy to use facilities listed below.

We aim to send all prescriptions direct to the patient's nominated pharmacy for collection or delivery.  Therefore please note your chosen pharmacy clearly on any online request or written request.  If you do not nominate a pharmacy then your prescription will be held until you nominate a pharmacy as we discourage collection of prescriptions from the surgery.

Please allow a minimum of 3 working days for requests for repeat prescriptions as we cannot guarantee your prescription will be ready in time if you leave your request later than this.

The most efficient way to order repeat prescriptions is using the NHS App.

Setting up the NHS App is easy and as well as your repeat prescriptions it will contain all your medical needs.

Ordering your repeat prescriptions using eConsult is very easy. Just click on the link below and follow the instructions.

Link to eConsult

Just email us your repeat prescription needs to 

kmicb.guildhall.surgery@nhs.net

But please be aware that email requests do take a little longer than request through the NHS App and eConsult.

Please talk to your pharmacy about this as they may be able to help you manage your prescription requests and advise on home delivery options if you are currently house-bound or have difficulty leaving home.

If it is convenient you can simply write out a note and please it in our prescriptions box at the surgery entrance or drop it through the secure letter box on the main door when we are closed.

Again we would advise that this method is a little slower than the NHS App and eConsult.

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

If you have any queries in regards you medication please call us on 01303 851411 or send us an email at

kmicb.guildhall.surgery@nhs.net

Alternatively, for the most efficient way to contact us please complete an eConsult at this link

https://guildhallstreetsurgery.webgp.com/

Click here to get the latest information about the nearest pharmacies to the surgery.

Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.65
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
• 3-month PPC: £31.25

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.