From the 1st of December 2016, NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has made all medicines for minor ailments suitable for self-care, non-formulary (the Somerset formulary advises GPs on safe, evidence based cost effective prescribing).

Medicines for minor ailments suitable for self-care are now more widely available from shops and supermarkets for you to purchase instead, either in person or via online delivery and the price of these products continues to decrease.

This has not been an easy decision for the Somerset CCG but there is now a need in the current financial environment to restrict NHS spending.

A leaflet explaining what conditions this covers is attached.

Your local community pharmacy will provide advice on medicines for minor ailments suitable for self-care.

Somerset CCG Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available to discuss this change if you need advice, have concerns or don’t know where to turn. As a patient, relative or carer, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice and support. This is where the Patient Advice and Liaison Service can help.

This service is free and confidential. Their aim is to help sort out any problems or concerns you may have when using health services, agree the best way forward to deal with a problem and get it resolved as quickly as possible. PALS can be contacted via:

Postal Address:

NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group

Freepost RRKL-XKSC-ACSG

Yeovil

Somerset

BA22 8HR

Telephone: 08000 851067

Email: pals@somersetccg.nhs.uk