NHS prescription list cuts include silk garments

An NHS England consultation document has announced plans to curb the prescription of ‘low-priority’ items like silk garments as there is limited evidence the clothing helps people with eczema and dermatitis enough to warrant prescribing it.

In total, eight items have been proposed for removal from the NHS prescription list under plans aimed at saving £68 million a year. The items are all deemed to be of relatively low clinical effectiveness, to have cheaper options available or to be of ‘low priority’ for funding.

The items are: silk garments - for eczema and dermatitis; Aliskiren - used to treat blood pressure; Amiodarone - to treat abnormal heart rhythms; bath and shower emollient preparations - to treat eczema and dermatitis; Dronedarone - to treat the heart condition atrial fibrillation; Minocycline - to treat acne; blood glucose testing strips - for diabetes; and needles for pre-filled and reusable insulin pens - for diabetes.

At present, the NHS spends more than £1.2 million a year on prescriptions for silk garments, such as silk baby bodysuits, infant leggings, children's pyjamas, gloves or tubular sleeves.

Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said: "The NHS is one of the most efficient health services in the world but, as part of the long-term plan for the NHS, we're determined to make taxpayers' money go further and drive savings back into front-line care. It is essential the NHS should not be paying for anything which has been proven to be ineffective or where there are safer or cheaper alternatives."

The consultation precedes GPs being issued with new guidance next week on gluten-free prescriptions, with patients no longer eligible for pizzas, cakes and biscuits. Officials added that the NHS began funding gluten-free food products in the late 1960s, when availability was limited, but now a wide variety of foods is available in supermarkets.