NHS England is consulting us on limiting prescriptions for items that can be bought over the counter. At the moment people who cannot afford ‘over the counter’ prices for items such as head lice treatment, sun blocker (to prevent skin cancer), necessary vitamins and painkillers can get a prescription from their doctor. Losing this service will mean head lice won’t be treated, some people will be in unnecessary pain, while others will not use sun blocker and risk getting skin cancer. There’s been much fuss in some newspapers about GPs prescribing toothpaste, but this is not the full story. Those who do get prescription toothpaste don’t get a tube of Colgate but a specialist medical toothpaste because they suffer a serious problem with their teeth, gums or bones. Please have your say: www.engage.england.nhs.uk/consultation/over-the-counter-items-not-routinely-prescribed/