Get the Right Treatment
Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor's appointment.
It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.
Self-care
Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.
Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.
Self-care Medicines
From Monday 29th January 2018 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 exceptions. This follows a public consultation.
- 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 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 £1millon 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 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 are a useful resource to use when you or your family have a common ailment. Download the Factsheets below:
Patient Advice Vaginal thrush.pdf
Patient Advice Urinary Tract Infections in children.pdf
Patient Advice Threadworms.pdf
Patient Advice Sore eyes.pdf
Patient Advice Piles.pdf
Patient Advice Pain.pdf
Patient Advice Mild acne.pdf
Patient Advice Headlice.pdf
Patient Advice Hayfever.pdf
Patient Advice Gastroentertisits in children.pdf
Patient Advice Fever in Children.pdf
Your Local Pharmacist
Pharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses. They can answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Your local Pharmacist can also advise on healthy eating.
Pharmacists can also advise on health eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription. Watch this short video on how you can get the most out of your local pharmacy
NHS Walk-In Centres
NHS Walk-In Centres offer convenient access to a range of NHS services for patients based in England only. You can receive treatment for many ailments including:
- infection and rashes,
- fractures and lacerations,
- emergency contraception and advice,
- stomach upsets,
- cuts and bruises, or
- burns and strains.
NHS Walk In Centres treat around 3m patients a year and have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some centres offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems.
Accident & Emergency (A&E)
Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:
- loss of consciousness,
- pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia,
- acute confused state,
- persistent, severe chest pain, or
- breathing difficulties.
If you're injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in the UK. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union.
Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.