DOCTORS in Redditch have approved recommendations to reduce the availability of certain items on prescription and to restrict access to assisted conception treatment.
The decision was taken collectively by members of the clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) of Redditch and Bromsgrove, South Worcestershire and NHS Wyre Forest who are responsible for buying healthcare services for county residents.
The CCGs are under considerable budget pressure and collectively they agreed with proposals to restrict access to certain medicines, treatments, products and food items on prescription, specifically:
· To restrict the prescription of treatments and medicines for short-term, minor conditions
· To stop the prescription of gluten-free foods
· To stop the prescription of soya milks, thickened infant formula, formula for lactose intolerance and all infant formula available as ready to use liquid
· To restrict the prescription of oral nutrition supplements.
The CCGs also agreed with proposals to reduce the number of assisted conception cycles they fund from two to one for patients who meet appropriate clinical and lifestyle requirements which include age, weight, smoking status and alcohol consumption.
These decisions follow a 10 week public engagement exercise which ran from March 17 to May 30 last year and a five week public engagement exercise which ran from March until April earlier this year. In total more than 5,000 people provided their views during this time.
Mari Gay, interim chief operating officer for the Worcestershire CCGs, said: “We are very grateful the many people who shared their views and gave feedback on the proposals.
“After considering feedback from local people, national campaign groups and clinical guidance we have decided to stop routinely funding certain medicines, treatments, products and food items on prescription and also to reduce the number of assisted conception cycles that we fund from two to one.
“We are aware of the concern this may cause some people and this has been a very difficult decision to make. However, given the financial challenge that we face in Worcestershire we need to take action now so that we can continue to protect other NHS services in the future.”
The results of the two engagement exercises can be found on the CCG websites.
