For minor illnesses, self care and OTC treatments are the first step. Local surgeries are now asked not to prescribe basic medicines that can be safely bought yourself, helping reduce unnecessary NHS costs and protecting GP appointments for those who truly need them.
Many minor conditions are manageable at home or with quick advice from your pharmacist.
Before booking an appointment or requesting medication, please consider whether self care is appropriate.
We may need to redirect or decline requests that fall within OTC guidance.
Using us only when you really need us helps keep appointments available for those most in need and supports NHS capacity across the system.
