The CCG’s Medicines Optimisation team’s role is to ensure people obtain the best possible outcomes from their medicines. The team works closely with clinicians in primary and secondary care, patients, carers and other health and social care professionals and aims to ensure that we offer evidence-based, cost-effective interventions to the people of Bury.

Greater Manchester Joint Formulary

All prescribers in Bury are requested to adhere to the Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG) Joint Formulary, Interface Prescribing Guidance, and recommendations. These are all available via this website: http://gmmmg.nhs.uk/

Primary Care Antimicrobial Policy

The local (North East sector) policy has been replaced by a Greater Manchester policy. This covers prescribing for the treatment of infections commonly encountered in general practice. All clinicians are requested to adhere to this guidance.

Quick Reference Guide to Antimicrobial Policy – This guide covers the most commonly encountered infections in adults, and recommended treatments and should only be used in conjunction with the full policy.

Management of recurrent UTIs in females

Guidance on the management of recurrent UTIs in non-pregnant females Access the guidance here.

Resources for the management of UTIs in care home patients >65 years

Assessment Tool: Guidance for care home staff regarding older people (>65 years) with suspected UTI. Access tool here.

Poster: Advice to care home staff regarding older people (>65 years) with suspected UTI. Access poster here.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Guidance on treatment of Vitamin B12 deficiency Access the guidance here.

Vitamin D guidance

Prescribing for Clinical Need Policy

The Governing Body advises that only treatments that are clinically effective and provide a clear health benefit to patients should be prescribed on NHS prescriptions. All other treatments should be considered a low priority and are detailed within this policy (updated June 2016).

Prescribing of antipsychotics in patients living with dementia

The prescribing status of antipsychotics in dementia patients has recently changed. The Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group have published a GP resource pack, however, the status is subject to local commissioning arrangements.  Bury’s local commissioning arrangements for GPs highlights that: If an individual clinician has received training in the diagnosis and management of dementia and delirium and is confident to initiate and monitor an antipsychotic in a particular clinical situation, then it is reasonable for this clinician to have the flexibility to do this with or without the direction of a Consultant Psychiatrist.

Homely Remedy Guidelines

In line with national and local guidance Bury CCG, Bury MBC and Bury GP Federation have developed guidelines to support local Care Homes to implement a Homely Remedy Policy for their residents

Guidance for the Administration of Over the Counter Medication in schools and nurseries

Respiratory Resources