FOI Ref: 0044FOI1920

11^th June 2019

Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request for Information

We are pleased to respond to your request for information and our response is set out below:

Request/ Response

I am writing to the NHS Sheffield CCG under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request the following information; 

1. Do you have a formulary used by primary care prescribers? If so, what is the status of paracetamol tablets and suspensions, ibuprofen tablets and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with respect to minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and fever?

Yes, a copy of the formulary can be found here: https://www.intranet.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/sheffield-formulary.htm 

2. Is there a current policy regarding prescription of paracetamol tablets and suspensions, ibuprofen tablets and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? If so, please provide documents and start date.

As per question 1, plus information on self-care guidance can be found here https://www.intranet.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/medicines-prescribing/prescribing-guidelines.htm

3. Is there a policy currently being developed regarding prescription of paracetamol tablets and suspensions, ibuprofen tablets and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? If so, please provide any documents and predicted start date.

See previous response.

4. Has there previously been a policy regarding prescription of paracetamol tablets and suspensions, ibuprofen tablets and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that has been discarded? If so, please provide documents and start and end date.

No

5. Regarding prescribing policy has the CCG given consideration to the recent NHS England guidance “Conditions for which over the counter items should not routinely be prescribed in primary care: Guidance for CCGs” published in March 2018? If so, has this guidance been implemented, or is it planned to be implemented?

See response to question 2.  

6. Have you provided any education for prescribers regarding prescriptions for over-the-counter medication, in particular paracetamol tablets and suspensions, ibuprofen tablets and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? If so, when and how were these education sessions delivered (for example, meeting, didactic lecture or leaflet)?

See response to question 2.

7. Is there any financial incentive for GPs regarding prescription of paracetamol tablets and suspensions, ibuprofen tablets and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? If so, please provide documents.

No

8. Is there any planned action to enforce any policy regarding prescription of paracetamol tablets and suspensions, ibuprofen tablets and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should it not be upheld by prescribers? If so, please provide documents. 

No