Medicines for self-care
You don’t need a GP appointment, you can go straight to your local pharmacy.
South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) supports GP Practices in promoting self-care.
Click here to download the Self-Care leaflet
Why are we supporting self-care?
- Part of self-care involved reducing prescribing of medicines and supplies which have limited clinical value to the patient or are more suitable for patients to buy themselves.
- In 2014, South Devon Torbay CCG spend almost £500,000 on these medicines and supplies. This money could have been better spent on treating more serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
- Many of these products are low cost and are readily available from Pharmacies, along with advice. Some self-care medicines are available in shops and supermarkets.
- You do not need to make an appointment to speak to your pharmacist, and many Pharmacies are open in the evening and at weekends. Any consultations you have with the pharmacist will be confidential and discrete in a private area of the pharmacy.
What are self-care conditions and supplies?
| Anti-fungal nail paint | Formula milk | Minor sprains, sports injuries and scars | Toothpaste |
| Antihistamines | Gluten-free foodstuffs* | Moisturisers | Travel medicines (travel sickness and malarial prophylaxis) |
| Athlete’s foot creams and powders | Hair-removing creams | Mouth ulcers | Treatment for mild fever |
| Cold sore treatments | Hay fever and allergies preparations | Nappy rash | Vaginal lubricant |
| Constipation, diarrhoea and haemorrhoids (piles) | Head lice (wet combing is reccomended) | Skin rashes | Wart and verrucas |
| Cough and cold, blocked nose and sore throat | Herbal and complementary remedies | Special dietary food | |
| Decongestants | Indigestion remedies (for occasional use) | Suncream | |
| Ear wax removers | Milk acne and eczema | Teething | |
| Excess sweating (antiperspirants) | Minor aches and pains | Threadworm | |
| Eye infections | Minor cuts and bruises (including creams for bruising, tattoos, varicose veins and scars) | Thrush |
*Not all gluten-free foodstuffs come under this category, so there will be some exceptions. You can check this with you GP or Pharmacist.
Treat yourself at home
Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?
By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up time for the GPs to see patients with more serious health problems.
Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS Choices website for:
- Back pain
- Dermatitis
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
- Constipation
- Migraines
- Coughs
- Acne
- Sprains and strains
- Headaches
Medicine cabinet
You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest you keep the following:
- Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
- Mild laxatives
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- Rehydration mixture
- Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
- Travel sickness tablets
- Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
- Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
- Tweezers and sharp scissors
- A thermometer
- A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
- Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
Other NHS services
As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.
You can ask your local pharmacist about lots of health issues, including when to visit your GP. And there’s no need for an appointment.
Visit our Who should I see page for more information.
Self referrals
Depression & Anxiety Service (DAS)
There is support available to you to help you overcome your difficulties through the Devon Partnership NHS Trust: DAS
It is a free, confidential, NHS service for people aged 18+ which you can access yourself, via the online self-referral form.
Physiotherapy
Self-referral is when you, the patient, contact the Physiotherapy department directly without visiting or consulting your GP or hospital first.
Before self referral you should discuss with your GP first if you have any of the following, as they will need a specialist referral: Neurological problems such as Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Gynaecological problems or continence issues, Children’s developmental problems such as Cerebral Palsy.
Download the Physio self-referral form
To refer yourself for NHS physiotherapy, please phone 0300 456 9987.
