PATIENTS are being invited to have their say on prescribing medicines that can be bought over the counter.

There are a number of medicines currently prescribed in the town that are readily available to patients and the public over the counter to treat minor health conditions including painkillers, sun creams and ear wax removers.

NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has launched a consultation to seek the views of the public after latest figures revealed around £1m a year is spent on these types of medicines.

Health bosses believe this money could be better spent on reducing health inequalities across the town for the benefit of the whole population.

Dr Catherine Doyle, GP and NHS Warrington CCG's clinical lead for medicines management, said: “It is the CCG's job to ensure the health budget for Warrington is spent as effectively as possible.

"We want to minimise waste and promote self-care to patients and the public, reducing the amount we spend on medicines that can be bought over the counter for much less than a prescription charge.’’

The formal consultation began on Friday and will run until 12pm on October 21.

Throughout the 12 week consultation process, the CCG team will be attending a number of voluntary sector and community groups in Warrington to hear their views or residents can attend one of the CCG's public meetings to discuss the proposals.

Dates for the diary include a Healthwatch 'dinner and discuss' on August 26 from 6pm at Warrington Masonic Hall, Winmarleigh Street, Warrington CCG ‘Get engaged’ event on September 9 from 10am at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub and Warrington CCG's health forum on September 28 from 1pm at The Gateway, Sankey Street.

To find out more visit warringtonccg.nhs.uk/get-involved