565 million reasons…
Last year the NHS spent approximately £569million on prescriptions for medicines for minor conditions, which could have been bought over the counter from a pharmacy, petrol station or supermarket.
Every £1million saved on prescriptions for over the counter treatments could pay for:
- 39 more community nurses;
- 270 more hip replacements;
- 66 more drug treatment courses for breast cancer;
- 1000 more drug treatment courses for Alzheimer’s;
- 1040 more cataract operations; or
- 60,000 more GP appointments (excluding admin and practice staff time)
You may find that your doctor or healthcare professional will no longer give you a prescription for a medicine that you can buy over the counter for a minor condition. If you need help to take care of yourself or someone else who uses these medicines, please ask one of our team.