Every year, at least 25 million GP appointments and 5 million A&E appointments are used for self-treatable illnesses, such as headaches, colds, allergies and indigestion. If people were empowered to self-care it could save the NHS at least £1.7bn per year in costs.
At a time when the NHS is under immense pressure it is vital that self-care is a vital component of trying to reduce these pressures and building a sustainable healthcare system for the future. When done correctly self-care can have the triple benefit of reducing demand on the NHS, reducing health inequalities among the public, and empowering people to take ownership of their own health.
Ahead of a general election PAGB are calling for any future Government to:
- Improve patient awareness and confidence in self-care
- Leveraging digital tools to better support and promote self-care
- Creating a supportive self-care environment, empowering community pharmacies to promote self-care.
To find out more about our calls to a future Government you can read our Self-Care Manifesto.
