| Minor ailments 'taking up too much of GPs' time in UK' | Posted on 18/03/2010 in Medical Government/ NHS related news GPs are spending too much time treating people for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, healthcare professionals have said.
The report by the Self-Care Campaign said a fifth of GP workloads is occupied by ailments which could have been self-treated and are costing the health service two billion pounds a year.
Back pain was the most common minor ailment for which people went to their local surgery, accounting for 8.4 million appointments, with other conditions including colds, acne, constipation and migraines.
In a letter to The Times, the group wrote: "A shift in behaviour around treating minor ailments could save the NHS this money without any cuts to services whatsoever."
The British Medical Association and the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) have said they support the move towards more self-care.
RCGP president Professor Steve Field stated this would ensure that services are directed at those most in need.Other news stories from 18/03/2010
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