The Clinical Priority and Best Value Consultation run by NHS Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) sought local people’s views on proposals on podiatry services, adult hearing services, supply of medicines, procedures of limited clinical value and inpatient community services. The proposals were put forward to enable the CCG to continue to prioritise those services that deliver the greatest health gain for local people, whilst at the same time continuing to live within its financial means.
Prescriptions for Over the Counter Medication
Following the consultation the CCG’s Board has agreed to cease funding (and therefore for GPs to stop prescribing) over the counter medicines on NHS prescription for conditions that can be managed through self-care. This change became effective from 1 July 2017.
Where a treatment is needed for a long-term chronic condition or there are legal restrictions on the amount of medicine that can be purchased over the counter, then the patient’s regular clinician will still be able to prescribe.
The type of medication that you might have expected to receive on prescription but that will no longer be available to you include:
- Hayfever medication
- Pain relief medication (such as paracetamol, ibroprufen)
- Children’s pain relief medication (such as suspension (liquid) paracetamol, ibroprufen)
Prescriptions for Gluten Free Foods
Following the same consultation the CCG’s Board has also agreed to cease prescribing gluten free foods on NHS Prescription, but a patient’s GP will be able to apply for prescription in exceptional circumstances, where they believe a patient is at real risk of dietary neglect, for whatever reason. This change became effective from 1 July 2017.