Mental Health and New Year Resolutions

While the festive period can be a fun and exciting time, it can also be particularly stressful and upsetting for some.

Many people will be familiar with January blues, so this year Bay Health and Care Partners are encouraging everyone to think about making choices that will bring positive changes to their health.

New Year resolutions are a perfect way to welcome 2019 so why not think about being more active, stopping smoking or drinking less alcohol – all of which will reduce your chances of developing long-term health problems, such as diabetes and lung disease.

Evidence suggests that there are 5 steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing which can make you feel happier, more positive and able to get the most from life. Just working on a couple of these areas is a great start.

Read more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Consultation on items which should not routinely be prescribed in primary care

In 2017, the cost of prescriptions dispensed in the community was £9.17 billion. This cost coupled with finite resources means it is important that the NHS achieves the greatest value from the money that it spends.  Across England there is significant variation in what is being prescribed and to whom. Often patients are receiving medicines and products which have been proven to be ineffective or in some cases dangerous, for which there are other more effective, safer and/or cheaper alternatives.

NHS England has partnered with NHS Clinical Commissioners to carry out a public consultation with proposals for a review and update of the 2017 guidance document for CCGs called "Items which should not routinely prescribed in primary care". 

The aim of this consultation is to provide members of the public with information about the proposed national guidance and to seek their views about the proposals.

During the consultation period a range of events, including face to face events and webinars (online meetings) will be undertaken to gather feedback on the proposals – you can register for these on the NHS England website. 

The consultation closes on 28 February 2019.