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Rescue pack  Medication

We will no longer be issuing rescue packs of antibiotics and steroids for those with asthma or COPD to be kept at home.

Rescue packs no longer form part of the national guidelines for asthma and COPD. We would advise patients with asthma to follow their asthma care plan by increasing their inhalers and contacting us at the appropriate step for a review. With COPD, we would advise increasing your reliever inhaler for 48 hours and then getting in touch if not improving

If you are having symptoms and the above advice has been followed, please submit an online appointment request under Medical request: New Condition. On the request, please state you have COPD or Asthma.

Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant microorganisms and overuse of steroids can cause depression, stomach ulcers, diabetes and brittle bones. We want to ensure people are using them correctly and the appropriate follow up procedures are followed, if needed, to improve patient safety.

We have daily urgent appointments at the surgery Monday to Friday and over the weekend/Bank holidays during the Winter months, there are appointments available through the respiratory hub located in Cramlington which can be accessed through 111. Please contact early in the day.

If a specialist has recommended a rescue pack, you will need to contact them directly for the prescription or follow the above advice.

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