Doctors in Bromley may stop prescribing medicines "for short-term minor illnesses and injuries that will get better over time", following a consultation.

NHS Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is seeking the views of the public on proposed changes to what is available on prescription in Bromley.

The CCG is proposing to no longer support the routine prescribing of health supplements and self-care medications such has paracetamol, antihistamines and cough medicines in order to save "up to £1million",

Dr Andrew Parson, clinical chairman of the CCG said: “We want to support people to lead longer, healthier lives in Bromley.

"We want them to take care of their minor ailments and injuries at home and seek help when it is needed.

“After careful consideration and discussion with local health professionals and our GP members, we are proposing to no longer support the routine prescribing of health supplements and self-care medications for acute illnesses that will get better over time.

“The Bromley population is growing and we have to carefully consider how we use our finite resources to get the best health and wellbeing outcomes for our residents.

"By asking people to purchase their own self-care medicines such as paracetamol, antihistamines, cough medicines etc, we could potentially save up to a £1million which can be better spent on other health treatments.

"This proposal could also help to ease the pressure on GPs by reducing the amount of time spent seeing patients with minor ailments that could be treated at home and have more time to support those with complex health conditions.

“We encourage people to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home and seek advice from their pharmacist for minor ailments and injuries. Pharmacists are experienced clinicians who can provide a range of advice. They will also advise when someone does need to see their GP”.

The medicines covered in this proposal can be purchased from a pharmacy or a supermarket.

CCGs in other parts of the country have either already implemented similar arrangements or are in the process of doing so.

To have your say on these proposals read the proposal leaflet on the CCG website at www.bromleyccg.nhs.uk and use the online survey. You can also email brooccg.contactus@nhs.net or call 01689 866544