Prescribing Policy

ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotic resistance is a real threat to society. It is increasing year on year and when all the bugs are resistant, we will no longer be able to offer procedures such as hip replacements, transplants and cancer treatment.

It is therefore very important that we do not use these drugs for self limiting straightforward conditions.

Please be prepared to bear with the doctor if he/she does not wish to prescribe antibiotics.

SLEEPING TABLETS AND TRANQUILISERS

These drugs are not licensed for long term use and the policy of the practice is not to prescribe sleeping medication at all, other than for patients in terminal care.

ANALGESICS

In American prescribing opioid medication kills more patients than road traffic accidents. Evidence is clear that they do not work beyond a three month period and are not used in centres of excellence, such as St Thomas's pain clinic.

We have a strict policy of trying to withdraw patients on long term opioids from treatment.