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Patient Information
Self Care
NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) undertook a formal 90 day consultation on the medicines
prescribed for short term minor health problems. It has been agreed that from Monday 18th January 2016,
unless there are exceptional circumstances, these medicines will no longer routinely be prescribed by your GP
and you will be expected to buy these for yourselves. If you have been prescribed any of these items for a
Long Term Condition this will continue.
The following medications can be purchased from pharmacies or your local supermarket:
₋
Pain killers for minor aches and pains
₋
Tonics, vitamins and health supplements
₋
Ear wax removers (a few drops of olive oil is recommended)
₋
Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes
₋
Indigestion remedies
₋
Creams for bruising, tattoos, and scars
₋
Hair removal creams
₋
Moisturisers and bath additives for dry skin
₋
Sun cream
₋
Foods and food supplements
Speak to your local
pharmacist about
stocking up your
medicine cabinet to
treat common
conditions for you and
your family.
Your first aid kit:
As well as the medicines outlined above, make sure you keep a well-prepared first aid kit. This can help treat
minor cuts, sprains and bruises and reduce the risk of cuts becoming infected.
It should contain the following items:

Bandages – these can support injured limbs, such as a sprained wrist, and also apply direct pressure to larger cuts
before being treated in hospital

Plasters – a range of sizes, waterproof if possible

Thermometer – digital thermometers that you put in your mouth produce very accurate readings; a
thermometer placed under the arm is a good way to read a baby or young child's temperature

Antiseptic – this can be used to clean cuts before they're dressed (bandaged) and most can treat a range of
conditions, including insect stings, ulcers and pimples

Sterile dressings – larger injuries should be covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection until treatment
can be given by a health professional

Medical tape – this is used to secure dressings and can also be used to tape an injured finger to an uninjured
one, creating a makeshift splint
By keeping a selection of essential medications at home you can treat common conditions in a timely
manner and avoid unnecessary trips to see your GP.
Please store medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children and always check the expiry date of medicines before use.
Please return all out of date medications to your local pharmacist.