As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.
Before you do, remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest you keep the following:
- Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
- Mild laxatives
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- Rehydration mixture
- Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
- Travel sickness tablets
- Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
- Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
- Tweezers and sharp scissors
- A thermometer
- A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
- Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
Self-care medicines
Health professionals in Warrington will no longer prescribe additional medications for short term minor health problems, unless there is a specialist clinical need or for certain other exemptions. This follows on from a public consultation.
Full list of self-care medicines
Head lice treatments
Treatments for infant colic
Creams/ointments for nappy rash
Threadworm treatments
Treatment for vaginal thrush
Haemorrhoids treatment
Cough preparations
Eye care products
Probiotics
Treatments for mild acne
Dandruff and cradle cap treatments
Baby milks (unless a clinical need for a specialist milk)
Pain killers for minor aches and pains
Tonics, vitamins and health supplements
Ear wax removers
Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes
Indigestion remedies for occasional use
Creams for bruising, tattoos, and scars
Hair removal creams
Moisturisers and bath additives for dry skin
Sun creams
Foods and food supplements
Pain relief cream/ointment for short-term use
Oral antihistamines for hayfever
Decongestant nasal sprays
and tablets
Teething gels and mouth ulcer treatments
Vaginal moisturisers
Warts and verrucae paints
Heparinoid gel/cream
Antiperspirants
Antifungal treatments
Treatments for bites and stings
Treatments for cold sores
Antibacterial eye drops
Treatment for diarrhoea
Why?
We spend approximately £1 million per year on prescribing these medicines. This money could be and should be spent on other vital treatments for local people and make better use of our precious NHS resources.
For more information please ask at your GP practice reception or visit www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk
WHAT IS SELF CARE ...?
Self care is about looking after yourself in a healthy way. It can be anything from brushing your teeth, doing some exercise, managing common conditions (like headaches, colds and flu) or living with a long-term health problem, such as asthma or diabetes.
Self Care sheets, these are a useful resource to use when you or your family have a common ailment
- Useful facts
- What patients can expect to happen
- What people can do to help themselves – now and in the future
- When to seek medical help the ‘red flags’)
- Where to find out more
Download the Factsheets below:-
15. Mental Health - Happy Ok Sad www.happyoksad.org.uk
Did you know...?
- The NHS belongs to all of us – help us to keep it working smoothly by turning up for appointments
- Every time you see a GP it costs the NHS £43, on average, for a 12-minute consultation
- A visit to Accident and Emergency costs £112
ASK OUR CLINICAL PHARMACIST FOR ADVICE
If you wish to speak to our Clinical Pharmacist about your medication please contact the surgery to arrange a telephone appointment.
Ask your pharmacist for advice
Your local pharmacist can give you friendly, expert advice on self care and where appropriate over-the-counter medicines that can help with lots of common illnesses and minor ailments.
Stock up your medicine cabinet
To support self care at home you can ensure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked with essential medicines.
NHS Choices Information
NHS Choices contains a wealth of information about a variety of medical conditions and self care advice to help you manage an illness. Using the tools below you can find out more information about any topic on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Across Warrington, GPs and other Healthcare Professionals will no longer routinely prescribe medications for short term minor health problems.
NHS Warrington CCG undertook a formal public consultation on these proposals which received overwhelming support. On average, 87% of people agreed that, unless there are exceptional circumstances, patients will be expected to buy the medicines listed below themselves over-the-counter at a local pharmacy or supermarket.
Medicines include:
- Pain killers for minor aches and pains
- Tonics, health supplements and vitamins
- Earwax removers
- Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes
- Indigestion remedies for occasional use
- Creams for bruising, tattoos and scars
- Hair removal creams
- Moisturisers and bath additives for dry skin
- Sun cream (unless diagnosed photo sensitivity as a result of genetic disorders)
- Food and food supplements (except on the advice of a dietician)
Why?
NHS Warrington CCG spends approximately £1 million per year on prescribing these medicines. This money could be better spent on treating more serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Many of these products are readily available, along with advice, from local pharmacies. Some are also available from local shops and supermarkets.
Each year 25% of the population visit their GP for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection). These are usually caused by viruses.
For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections.
These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol.
- Ear infections typically last 4 days: 89% of cases clear up on their own
- A sore throat typically lasts 7 days: 40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics
- Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days: 80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics
- Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days: Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day
Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.
Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection.