Engagement Feedback You Said We Listened If you
Engagement Feedback “You Said, We Listened” If you would like help translating this information into another language, or you would like this information in Braille, large print or audio format, please call 01942 482711 or e-mail shapeyournhs@wiganboroughccg. nhs. uk
Earlier this year we spoke to patients, residents and staff about NHS England’s proposals to restrict doctors from prescribing medicines for 37 mild illnesses and conditions. The purpose of this document is to feedback how we’ve listened to what people told us and how the engagement work has shaped our implementation of the new rules. You Said 1 There was concern that certain groups would be more affected by the new rules than others (listed below). We were asked to consider how we could reduce the impact on these groups. We were also asked whether it would be appropriate to exclude any of them from the new rules. People on low incomes | Children | Frail Elderly | Long Term Conditions | Vulnerable patients | People with prepayment certificates | Care Home residents 2 Patients and staff asked for clear guidance about the new rules. They wanted this to be easy to understand. We Listened We highlighted the concern for these groups in our response to NHS England the Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership. We’ve decided locally that our Minor Ailments Scheme will continue to support people on low incomes. With regards to other groups, the guidance does not apply to long term conditions or to people who are not able to safely self-care such as those with dementia or learning difficulties. The guidance does apply to care homes and we are working to produce guidance to support care homes in this area. We worked with local doctors to produce guidance for staff. We also have posters and leaflets to raise awareness with the public. These have been circulated to all of our GP practices, community pharmacies, opticians, dentists and to the local hospital. This information is available on our website: https: //healthierwigan. nhs. uk/services/self-care/overthe-counter-medicines/ Page 1
You Said We Listened We were asked to run a public campaign to inform residents and patients about the change. Some of our local GP practice patient groups offered to assist with this. Leaflets, posters and information for TV screens has been circulated to our GPs, pharmacies, opticians and dentists and there is information on our Website. Self care messages will be included within our social media campaigns where appropriate e. g. keep well this winter, choose well. We were asked to think about patient education to help people: 1. Take better care of their health; 2. Treat the 37 minor illnesses on the list; 3. Know when to seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor. We were asked to consider working through schools and other services that support local people. We are recommending people are advised to use their community pharmacy to self care as they are able to identify more serious conditions, educate people on how to self care and provide advice on what to do if symptoms do not get better or get worse. There is lots of information on the NHS website on how to self care. We have a self-care page on the website: www. healthierwigan. nhs. uk. Work has started with our schools and guidance will be developed. 3 4 5 6 We were asked to continue to fund the Minor Ailments Scheme to help people from deprived areas. We are pleased to confirm that the Minor Ailments Scheme will continue for people who are unable to afford to buy the medicines over the counter. We were asked to consider further engagement work with local GPs about implementation of the rules and addressing any concerns. We have undertaken further engagement with local GPs and they have helped us to produce the guidance for staff on how to implement the new rules. Page 2
7 You Said We Listened We were asked to review whether it was appropriate to include all the medicines on the list. Whilst most people told us they would be okay to buy things like Paracetamol, there was concern that some of the medicines were more expensive, e. g. Eczema Cream and Head Lice Treatment which may have to be bought more frequently. We submitted this feedback to NHS England. The list of conditions was altered slightly. Locally we have agreed to continue to fund the Minor Ailments Scheme to support people who may not be able to afford to by the medicines. We were asked to do more engagement work with Pharmacy staff about the new rules and the role they will need to play in implementing it and helping people. We have worked with the Local Pharmaceutical Committee who represent all pharmacy providers. A survey was sent to pharmacies to see what areas pharmacies felt they may need further support with. The Local Pharmaceutical Committee has been asked to co-ordinate a training event for pharmacies. We were asked to do engagement work with local Opticians. A concern was raised about treatment for dry eyes and whether this would negatively impact on patients being able to seek treatment. We have worked with the local optician committee who represent all optician providers. They are arranging training for opticians on the management of dry eyes. We were asked to think about the safeguards that could be put in place for people who may not seek treatment or advice from a doctor. We are recommending people are advised to use their community pharmacy to self care as they are able to identify more serious conditions, educate people on how to self care and provide advice on what to do if symptoms do not get better or get worse. 8 9 10 Page 3
Contact Us If you have any questions about this or what will happen next, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us on: Call: 01942 482711 Email: shapeyournhs@wiganboroughccg. nhs. uk Website: www. wiganboroughccg. nhs. uk Facebook: Wigan Borough CCG Twitter: @Wigan. Borough. CCG Post: FREEPOST RTRA-BXKR-CTTT, Shape Your NHS, NHS Wigan Borough CCG, Wigan Life Centre South, College Avenue, Wigan WN 1 1 NJ Page 4
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