downsmail.co.uk


Newpolicy on drugs will help to cut costs


GPS inMaidstone andWest Kent are to reduceprescribingmedicines whichcanbebought easily over the counter at pharmacies and super- markets. Insome cases, thiswillbe cheaper for patients thanNHS pre- scription charges. This policy only covers short


courses of treatment – not regular, long-termprescriptions. TheGP-ledNHSWestKentClini-


cal Commissioning Group(CCG), facing increasing budget pressures, says it spends about £1.7ma year on thesemedicines. A local survey revealed that 85%


of patients receiving these prescrip- tions would buy themfroma phar- macy if their GP asked them – but 15%said itwould be a problem. The CCG has nowapproved a re-


stricted list ofmedicines and a pub- licity campaign, which will include posters and leaflets in GP practices and pharmacies. Conditions commonly treated with over-the-countermedicines in-


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clude:diarrhoea, constipation, acute pain, athlete’s foot, fever, oral and vaginal thrush, head lice, insect


bites/stings, conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, sore throat, headache, in- digestion/heartburn, cold sores, teething, nappy rash, mouth ulcers, haemorrhoids, ear wax, warts, ver- rucaes, soft tissue injury, viral upper respiratory tract infections, scabies, ring worm, mild acne and minor burns/scalds. TheCCGhas agreed some clinical


exclusions are permitted at the dis- cretion of the prescriber and these include pregnancy, breastfeeding andage.Accessibility issueswill also be considered including disabilities, houseboundpatients, care home res- idents etc. There is also a west Kent “safety


net” in Pharmacy First which offers not just expert advice but also free medication for certain illnesses to peoplewho do not normally pay for prescriptions.


Formore local news www.downsmail.co.uk


Health News Ambulance


calls failure THElocal ambulance service, still in “special measures”, has recordeda “significantdeteriora- tion” in attending most urgent callswith an eight-minute target – from60.75%to 55.28%(July).


Improved


diagnoses SOME 60% of all cancers in the westKent areawerediagnosedat Stage 1 or 2 last year, a 4% im- provement and above the na- tional average.


Breaking


even? THEchief finance officer has in- formed the CCG it will only break even at the end of the fi- nancial year though “a contin- ued focus on cost containment and cost reduction”.


Flujabuptake AS the NHS prepares for winter pressures all local GP practices are being encouraged to increase uptake of flu inoculations.


downsmail.co.uk Relationship on the Rocks


Dawn Harrison Head of Family team


The title of this article may conjure an image of cold, troubled waters with potential dangers above and below the surface. If this is a prospect facing you then look to get sensible support from the outset to help you manage the turmoil.


Below are some pointers to consider


• It may not be too late to repair the damage. Lots of organisations offer support and guidance on practical issues people face when threatened with separation. Relate Counselling can help identify if a relationship can be repaired or guide them to come to terms with the loss of their union. If reconciliation is not possible, a specialist family lawyer is the next point of call.


• Explore the alternative dispute resolution opportunities like mediation or collaborative


processes. If emotions are running high, taking a step back can regain the ability to think more clearly. Taking time to reflect and acting rationally can avoid lots of anguish. Many people regret actions/words spoken in the heat of the moment but the damage done remains.


• Think carefully about the consequences of acting irresponsibly, especially when it relates to your children or to money. Children are very vulnerable when parents separate, they need to know both parents love them and will continue to be there. Financial pressures can lead to relationship problems. Running two households will only compound any financial pressures.


• When one person leaves the family home, they rarely take all their belongings with them at once. Sensible arrangements need to be agreed to allow them to return for their remaining items. Joint items within the home should be preserved until an agreement can be reached on a fair distribution.


Canterbury 01227 643266 Maidstone 01622 698051


Tenterden 01580 767540 www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk


Whitehead Monckton Ltd (no.08366029) registered in England & Wales. Registered office 72 King Street, Maidstone Kent ME14 1BL. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279


Malling December 2017 YALDING G


Saturday 28th October Halloween Fancy Dress party


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• The person that leaves is often a co-owner of the family home. The absent person is still bound by their responsibilities to mortgage lenders and should ensure that the home and contents remain protected by insurance. The leaving party continues to have rights to enter, ideally on giving reasonable notice.


• Analyse your financial resources to work out how they can meet everyone’s needs. Drawing up a priority list of what you and your estranged partner/spouse need is important. Enquiring what help is available in the form of benefits will also assist in continuing to meet the family’s budget.


• Taking early advice can help you steer a safer course through the dilemmas that separation brings. Try to preserve some respect for the other person no matter how difficult the situation. Talk to one of the specialist family team at Whitehead Monckton who have a wealth of experience in these matters.


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