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 2017The working life of a GP during the pandemic (20 Sep 2021)
Dr Tina Agrawal is a GP in Camden and Co-chair of Camden Local Medical Committee, here she shares how her working life has changed significantly since the start of the...Update: NHS England advise gradual return to normal Becton Dickinson container stock (17 Sep 2021)
On 29 November NHS England issued its latest update on the Becton Dickinson blood test container supply problem. Previously, NHS England advised that Becton Dickinson containers should only be ordered "little and often", with...UPDATE: Application to renew a firearm and/ or shotgun certificate, or registration as a firearms dealer (RFD) (09 Sep 2021)
In June we advised that in discussion with Londonwide LMCs, the Metropolitan Police produced guidance for GPs to refer to when approached for a factual medical report by a...Value. Care. Protect. (18 Aug 2021)
Our latest video explains how GPs and practice staff are under pressure and asks patients to be considerate when talking to practice team members.Tips of the Month August 2021 (18 Aug 2021)
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...ARRS claw back in North Central London (18 Aug 2021)
In July primary care networks (PCNs) in North Central London received an unexpected demand from their combined CCG for the return of funding used to pay for staff employed under...Covid and flu enhanced services (18 Aug 2021)
The following documentation has either been published or updated over the previous month. Flu vaccination programme Enhanced Service Specifications: seasonal influenza vaccination programme 2021/22, includes separate childhood service...Anti-abuse campaign (18 Aug 2021)
Limitations placed on practices by infection prevention and control measures, combined with the release of pent-up demand for GP services and misinformation about the Covid vaccination campaign have resulted in...Workforce survey spring 2021 initial findings (18 Aug 2021)
408 people working across 322 GP practices responded to the survey, representing 29% of the practices in the Londonwide LMCs’ area. Half of responding practices have vacancies for any role,...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...
