RESTRICTIONS on prescriptions for over-the-counter medicines will be introduced across East Lancashire next month.

Health chiefs have approved the scheme, which is for short-term minor conditions, and is expected to save the NHS millions of pounds.

Currently, East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) spends around £2.5m a year on prescriptions for medicines which are now widely available over the counter at a low price or cheaper than an NHS prescription.

Health bosses said that nearly 40 per cent of these prescriptions are an 'unnecessary' cost to the NHS locally, amounting to around £1m of NHS funds which are spent each year on commonly available medication that does not need a prescription.

These include items such as paracetamol, antihistamines, moisturisers and ear wax removers.

The CCG's move follows Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), who introduced the same scheme in July.

East Lancashire CCG held a three-month public consultation into the scheme earlier this year.

It will implement the new plan from Sunday, October 1 after receiving 'overwhelming' support from patients and the public.

The restrictions will also apply when there is insufficient evidence that the medication will improve symptoms or where they do not offer value for money.

Jackie Hanson, chief nurse and deputy chief officer at East Lancashire CCG, said: “It is important that everyone using NHS service appreciates the pressures we face in securing high quality local health services whilst dealing with the growing demand and the associated cost.

"The outcome of our engagement was extremely positive and we are most confident that we have made the right decision and have the support of our local patients and members of the public.

“It is important to note that these restrictions are only in place for patients with short-term and minor medical ailments.”

The CCG said it wants to encourage people to 'self-care', which means that people take more responsibility for their own health and wellbeing where they can.

Russ McLean, chairman of the Pennine Lancashire Patient Voices Group, also expressed his support for the plans.

He said: "I'm very supportive of the plans as people with minor headaches shouldn't just be able to walk into their GP and get prescriptions on the NHS when they available for cheaper in supermarkets."