FARNHAM and North East Hampshire clinical commissioning groups is raising awareness of a national survey that closes on October 21 and will affect future guidance on medicines.

Across England there is significant variation in medicines which are being prescribed. Often patients are receiving medicines which have been proven to be ineffective and for which there are other more effective, safer and/or better value alternatives.

The survey covers 18 medicines which can be considered to be of low priority for NHS funding and which should not be routinely prescribed in primary care.

Any savings from implementing the proposals will be reinvested in improving patient care.

The survey also seeks general views about the prescribing of medicines which are available to buy over the counter to treat minor conditions.

The CCGs are giving people the choice to feed back on the national survey and/or be part of the local response they will develop.

To view the national consultation please visit www.engage.england.nhs.uk/consultation/items-routinely-prescribed/

. To be part of the local response email [email protected]

To be advised of the CCG response and take part in further engagement work on these subjects locally, provide your name and contact details via the above email address.