New guidance on prescribing medicines

Following a national consultation supported by the CCG on proposed changes to prescribing guidance, NHS England has published new guidance to help CCGs use their prescribing resources effectively.

The new guidance can be viewed on the NHS England website.

What the CCG is doing

Since the guidance was published in November 2017, the CCG has been working with other Merseyside CCGs and health care organisations to consider the guidance and their response to the recommendations. Further information and an update on how the guidance will be used and implemented will be available early in 2018.

How we helped people get involved

We encouraged Sefton residents and health professionals to complete an online survey to share their views about changes to the prescribing guidance. This was part of a national consultation carried out by NHS England and NHS Clinical Commissioners (NHSCC).

The consultation which was launched in July 2017, relates to 18 medicines and products which are considered low priority for funding by the NHS because they are relatively ineffective, unnecessary, inappropriate or unsafe for prescription.

Which medicines and products does this affect?

• Lidocaine Plasters
• Liothyronine
• Co-proxamol
• Trimipramine
• Rubefacients (excluding topical NSAIDs)
• Once Daily Tadalafil
• Omega 3 Fatty Acid Compounds
• Oxycodone and Naloxone Combination Product
• Dosulepin
• Paracetamol and Tramadol Combination Product
• Lutein & Antioxidants
• Immediate Release Fentanyl
• Homeopathy
• Prolonged -release Doxazosin
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin
• Perindopril Arginine
• Herbal treatments
• Travel vaccines

What people said

NHS England and NHSCC compiled all the feedback and produced a report of the outcomes and key themes which they used to help them to produce the new guidance.

How can I find out more?

You can read more about the new guidance and consultation on the NHS England website.

Visit the ‘How we use your views’ section for examples of where your feedback has informed our work, plans and strategies.