GP Richard Sandford-Hill has defended the decision by the Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group to stop doctors prescribing medicines to people suffering from 35 different complaints.

Now people suffering from illnesses such as coughs, colds, cystitis, head lice and vomiting will be told to buy over the counter products from the chemist.

Dr Sandford-Hill, who is a GP in Market Lavington and also clinical chairman of the Wiltshire CCG said: "It’s no secret that the NHS nationally is feeling the pressure of delivering healthcare services in the face of increasing patient demand and finite financial resources.

"In Wiltshire it’s no different, which is why as commissioners it’s important that we spend the money we have available in the most effective way that will benefit the most number of people.

"The cost of medicines to the NHS is significantly higher than those available to buy over the counter and because all licensed medicines are regulated by the Medicines and Health Regulatory Authority, they really are as good as your GP can prescribe.

“For this reason we are encouraging people to seek advice from a pharmacist and buy their medicines over the counter where they can.”

He pointed out that in the year prior to June 2017 the NHS spent approximately £569million on prescription medicines, which could have been bought over the counter from a pharmacy.

Alison Kidner, community and practice pharmacist in Salisbury said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to encourage patients to engage with their community pharmacy teams. Pharmacists are experts in medication and can provide health advice for our customers to help improve their health and wellbeing.

"The great thing about visiting your pharmacy is that you don’t need to make an appointment and many have a room where you can talk to the pharmacist in private. By visiting the pharmacy it means your GP’s time is freed up for those who really do need an appointment.

“We are all very aware of funding challenges to the NHS and by treating minor, short-term conditions ourselves where we can and by visiting a pharmacy for advice, we can help to save the NHS money. In many cases, the cost of buying a medicine from a pharmacy is cheaper than a prescription charge.”

It will also mean that patients who contact their GP Practice to make an appointment regarding any of the 35 minor, short-term conditions on the list may be told by the receptionist to go to a pharmacist instead.

The full list of conditions also includes acute sore throat, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea in adults, insect bites and minor burns.

But some exceptions do still apply. Patients prescribed an over the counter medicine for a long-term, or more complex condition or where a clinician considers that patient’s wellbeing could be affected due to health, mental health or significant social vulnerability will still be issued with prescriptions.