Do you really need paracetamol on prescription?

As a practice we are constantly reviewing our prescribing to make sure that our patients are receiving the most appropriate treatment for their medical conditions and that we are making the best use of limited NHS funds. We are asking you to please "Think Twice" before asking your GP to prescribe over-the-counter medications such as Paracetamol for common or short-term ailments. We would suggest that you buy paracetamol over the counter when making your weekly essential shopping trip. Paracetamol is so cheap over the counter but the admin costs behind an NHS prescription are much higher. Did you know a box of 32 paracetamol tablets on prescription costs the NHS approximately 4 times as much as it does to buy the tablets from a pharmacy or supermarket and if you take into account the staff time and dispensing payments the total cost to the NHS is almost 100 times more than buying over the counter? This practice spends approximately £274,000 annually on Prescriptions for Paracetamol. Every pound we save is another pound the NHS can invest in better A&E care, new cancer treatments, hip replacements, cataract extractions and much better mental health services. £274,000 would pay for approximately 300 cataract extraction or 75 hip replacements.

Please "Think Twice"

Thank you

Important information: Changes about your repeat medication ordering with effect from Monday 2nd September 2019

The NHS across County Durham and the Tees Valley is making changes to the way you order your repeat prescriptions.

Your community pharmacy will no longer be able to order your repeat medication, but you will be able to order your repeat medication directly with the practice, using the repeat ordering slip or online. There is nothing to worry about – you will still receive the medication you need.

If you have  questions or concerns, please speak to a member of our reception team.

Repeat Prescriptions

Requires 48 hours notice. In some of our surgeries it may be possible to collect directly from a local chemist.

If you stop using something that is not essential please tell receptionists who will delete the item.

At times we may ask to see you about your medication. This may be a check with any member of the team including pharmacists.

Some chemists provide a home delivery scheme for the housebound. If you use this service your medication may take longer to reach you than if you arrange for someone to pick it up.

If you would like us to post the prescription back to you please enclose a stamped addressed envelope and allow one week.

Practice Specifc Prescription Information

Do you pay for your prescriptions?

Prescriptions are free for:

• Men and women over sixty
• Pregnant women with a valid maternity certificate
• Children under sixteen or up to nineteen in full-time education
• Mothers of babies under twelve months
• People who receive income support (check list on Form P11 from Social Security or Post Office)
• People with family credit
• Certain chronic conditions including:

1.     Treatment for cancer; note this includes treatment for the effects of cancer, or treatment for the effects of a current or previous cancer treatment.

2.     A permanent fistula requiring dressing.

3.     Forms of hypoadrenalism such as Addison's disease.

4.     Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism.

5.     Diabetes mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone.

6.    Hypoparathyroidism.

7.     Myxoedema (underactive thyroid) or other conditions where thyroid hormone replacement is necessary.

8.     Myasthenia gravis.

9.    Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive medication.

10.   A continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without help from another person.

If you are not entitled to free prescriptions, a ‘season ticket’ may save you money. This is a pre-payment certificate, please ask Reception for details.

Only Order What You Need

Did you know?

Wasted medication is costing the NHS millions every year- including £1.5 million for the NHS in North Durham alone.

The potential money wasted on unused or partially used medicines could pay for:

61 more nurses

OR

1.550 more drug treatment courses for Alzheimers

OR

102 more drug treatment courses for breast cancer

OR

418 more hip replacements

OR

1,613 more cataract operations

It is estimated that £90 million worth of unused prescription medicines are retained in individual's homes, across the UK, at any one time. Around half of all patients do not take or use their medicines as prescribed.

This can occur for a number of reasons including:

• Patients not believing the medicine is necessary.
• Possible side effects.
• Complex prescriptions that are difficult to fit into daily routines.
• Choosing between medicines if patients' feel they are taking too many.
• Cutting down or stopping medicines they have been taking for a long time.

What You Should Check Before Ordering Your Repeat Prescription

• Check which items you already have before ordering your repeat prescription and only order what you need.
• If you need items at a later date you can request them.
• Let your GP, Nurse or Pharmacist know if you have stopped taking any medicines on your repeat prescription.
• Did you know that medicines cannot be recycled, whether they have been opened or not.
• Return unwanted medicines to your pharmacy for safe disposal. Don't throw them away.
• If you need to go into hospital, please take your medicines with you.
• This will enable hospital staff to effectively assess your care.
• If available, please use the green bag to transport your medicines.

For more information about 'Only Order What You Need' go to www.medicinewaste.com

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines.  Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed. Any problems please telephone the surgery.