Hundreds of thousands of pounds are spent every year on prescriptions for medicines and preparations that aren’t clinically effective or cost effective.

NHS Norfolk and Waveney is updating its prescribing policies to reduce the amount of money spent on prescriptions for these items. These changes will help to save thousands of pounds that can be spent on other local services.

This local update follows recently updated national guidance from NHS England on items which should not routinely be prescribed in primary care because they are ineffective for some or all patients, or are not cost-effective.

Starting in October 2023, the following items will no longer be available on prescription in Norfolk and Waveney:

• Bath Oil & Shower Preparations
• Dental Preparations
• Glucosamine
• Gluten Free Preparations
• Hayfever
• Herbal Preparations
• Sunscreen Preparations
• Topical Antifungal Treatments
• Vitamin B Supplements

Read more about our prescription policies here https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/changes-to-our-prescription-policies/