Yahoo News NHS says 42 conditions no longer treated in prescriptions crackdown
42 conditions no longer treated on the NHS due to a prescriptions crackdown have emerged. NHS England has published guidance to free up to almost £100 million for frontline care each year by curbing prescriptions for ‘over the counter’ medicines.
Patients will, however, still be allowed to see and be assessed by a GP but they won’t be handed a prescription and instead signposted to where to buy medicated products. People who receive free prescriptions, such as those on a low-income or pregnant, will not automatically be exempt from the new rules.
Changes will not affect vulnerable patients or those with long-term or complex conditions or where the symptom could be associated with something more serious. The controversial changes came into force four years ago - with patients now being reminded.
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Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, said: “Across the NHS our aim is to: ‘Think like a patient, act like a taxpayer’. The NHS is probably the most efficient health service in the world, but we’re determined to keep pushing further. Every pound we save from cutting waste is another pound we can then invest in better A&E care, new cancer treatments and much better mental health services.”
John O’Connell, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “It’s great news that NHS England will save a vast amount of taxpayers’ money by curbing prescriptions for basic items that are much cheaper to buy in the supermarket than they are to prescribe. Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for items like anti dandruff shampoo or athlete’s foot powder, so cutting out wasteful spending like this will mean that precious resources can be focused on frontline services. Patients too must remember that these items are not “free” – the money comes out of taxpayers’ pockets, so NHS England should be applauded for this move.”
The list includes:
Acute sore throats.
Cold sores.
Conjunctivitis.
Coughs
Colds.
Nasal congestion.
Cradle cap ( seborrhoeic dermatitis ).
Haemorrhoids.
Infant colic.
Mild cystitis.
Mild irritant dermatitis.
Dandruff.
Infrequent diarrhoea
Constipation.
Dry or sore eyes.
Earwax.
Excessive sweating ( Hyperhidrosis ).
Head lice.
Indigestion.
Heartburn.
Infrequent migraines.
Insect bites
Insect stings.
Mild acne
Dry skin.
Sunburn or the need for sun protection.
Mild to moderate hay fever.
Seasonal rhinitis.
Minor burns
Scalds
Mild pain, discomfort and/fever ( e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain ).
Mouth ulcers
Nappy rash
Oral thrush
Prevention of dental caries
Athletes foot
Teething
Toothache
Ringworm or threadworm
Travel sickness
Warts
Verrucas
