Self Care

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:-

1. Low Back Pain
2. Eczema
3. Heartburn and indigestion
4. Fever in children
5. Constipation
6. Headache and migraine
7. Coughs
8. Acne
9. Sprains and strains
10. Sore throat
11. Otitis media
12. Common cold
13. Sinusitis
14. Urine symptoms in men
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.

Minor Ailments Service

Minor coughs and colds, ear ache, sore throat, rashes, high temperature can all be dealt with by our Minor Ailments service this is run by Paramedics who are supporting GP Practices in Warrington.

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 Information

The NHS website 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 website www.nhs.uk