We will no longer be prescribing Paracetamol for minor conditions.
The NHS has been spending around £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicines, such as paracetamol, that could be bought over the counter (OTC) to treat minor conditions.
Paracetamol is readily available to buy very cheaply from Pharmacies, Supermarkets, Petrol Stations and Convenience Stores for a fraction of what it would cost the NHS to issue a prescription (for example, a pack of 16 Paracetamol tablets can be purchased for around 29p from a local store, whereas the cost to the NHS is over £33 after including dispensing fees, administration and GP consultation costs).
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.
In line with Local and National NHS Guidance we will no longer routinely be issuing prescriptions for paracetamol to treat minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and/fever. This will help to ensure the long term sustainability of the NHS.
We would encourage patients to keep a small supply of OTC painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen in their medicines cabinets at home so they are able to manage minor conditions at home without the need for a GP appointment.
You may find the following links helpful:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/your-medicine-cabinet/
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/10-ways-to-ease-pain/
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Opening hours for the surgery, dispensary & prescription ordering line until further notice
Monday - Friday
Surgery: 08:00am - 18:30pm
Monday - Friday
Dispensary: 09:00am - 13:00pm & 14:00pm - 16:30pm
Prescription ordering line (01946 833 155): 10:00am - 13:00pm & 14:00pm - 16:30pm
Please allow 72 hours for repeat prescription ordering
Please note that if you are prescribed medication from your appointment at the Red Hub someone else should collect this medication on your behalf and after your appointment at the red hub you should immediately return home.
PATIENTS GIVEN APPOINTMENTS AT OUR RED HUB:
During the current COVID-19 outbreak, patients experiencing certain symptoms (breathing issues and / or fever) and who have been telephone assessed by a GP to need a face-to-face examination will be called to our local 'Red Hub'.
Please note that if you are prescribed medication from your appointment at the Red Hub someone else should collect this medication on your behalf and after your appointment at the red hub you should immedi...atley return home.
Click here www.northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/redhubs to find out more about where to go, what it will look and feel like and what to do when you arrive. There is also a short film and animation to explain why it looks different for children.
For the latest COVID-19 information and guidance
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE SELF ISOLATION SICK NOTES PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
GP - COVID - Privacy Notice
If you need a Podiatry self referral form please use the one below
Podiatry Self-Referral form
Repeat Prescriptions
Most of out patients will collect their medicines from the dispensary at the surgery (a few of our patients at Harrington, Bransty and Hensingham will be issued with a prescription to take to the chemist).
If you require a repeat prescription please contact the dispensary, stating clearly which medicines you require. If you are exempt from paying for prescriptions, please show your card on collection of medication.