CCG proposals for GPs to restrict access to OTC prescriptions
This page has been updated to remove advice which stated schemes proposed by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) which involve GPs assessing patients’ ability to pay for over-the-counter medicines and asking them if they are willing to do so run contrary to GMC guidance. We have since been informed that this is not the case and apologise for any confusion it has caused.
It remains the view of Londonwide LMCs that decisions regarding the prescribing of certain over-the-counter medicines should be taken at a national level by the Government, using “The Blacklist” described under the NHS Regulations, and published in part XVIIIA of the NHS Drug Tariff, rather than passing this responsibility and risk to CCGs and on to GPs.
Practices should be aware that CCGs cannot directly prohibit GPs and other prescribers from prescribing drugs which are available via FP10, we do encourage prescribers to be mindful of the best use of NHS resources, but to continue to prescribe drugs, medicines or appliances which are needed for the treatment of patients in line with their contract.
Last updated : 31 Jul 2017Data sharing agreement checklist and guidance for practices (21 Aug 2019)
Londonwide LMCS is aware of the increasing complexity and number of information and data sharing agreements (DSAs) and documents which practices are receiving to review and sign. To support practices,...New CQC guidance section for practices (20 Aug 2019)
In the past 12 months CQC have visited nearly 400 practices in London and found that: 3 were considered outstanding, 300 were considered ‘good’, 57 required improvement, and 23...Bowel screening update – August 2019 (20 Aug 2019)
NHS England have provided an information sheet to explain the introduction of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT). This replaced the guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBt) at the start of...Tackling social isolation and loneliness to improve health (20 Aug 2019)
Colin Brown, UK Director for Independent Living & Crisis Response at British Red Cross looks at how their expertise will be of use to social prescribing link workers, as they...Primary care buddying system (20 Aug 2019)
The NHS London Leadership Academy is working with primary care providers to support development in the sector, and to facilitate wider working across the health and social care system. They...Vaccination update August 2019 (20 Aug 2019)
Hepatitis B in at risk babies Babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B require a course of hep B vaccination. The first dose is given within 24 hours in...Londonwide LMCs’ support for Primary Care Network Clinical Directors (20 Aug 2019)
The introduction of the PCN DES means significant changes in the way practices deliver some existing services, and the rolling out of a new range of services. Londonwide LMCs is...Safeguarding payments and collaborative arrangements (15 Aug 2019)
On 11 July 2019 Dr David Geddes, NHSE/I Director of Primary Care Commissioning, wrote to CCGs and STPs advising that payment for safeguarding activity is not covered by core NHS...Tips of the month August 2019 (15 Aug 2019)
We provide weekly tips based on common queries which come through to us from London GPs and practice teams. These are shared via social media and collated for...Congratulations to Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer on becoming CEO of Cambridgeshire LMCs (15 Aug 2019)
At the start of August Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer took over from Dr Guy Watkins as Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire LMC. Katie trained as a GP in London and was previously a medical...Guidance
We provide expert guidance for practices in our guidance section, as well as an archive of other materials you may find useful.
GP Support
Contact our GP Support team if you need help or advice.
The team provide professional and pastoral support to GPs and practice teams on a broad range of issues.
follow us on...
