Written Question · S5W-18305 · Session 5
In light of the recommendation by NHS England that GPs and other prescribers should stop providing homeopathic treatments after finding "no…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recommendation by NHS England that GPs and other prescribers should stop providing homeopathic treatments after finding "no clear or robust evidence to support" its use, what its position is on NHS Scotland continuing to fund homeopathic treatments.
The answer
The Scottish Government position remains unchanged. We recognise that some Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM), including homeopathy, may offer relief to some people suffering from a wide variety of conditions. It is for individual NHS Boards to decide which medicines and treatments they make available based on national and local priorities and the needs of their resident populations, in line with national guidance: http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/dl/DL(2016)06.pdf
The prescribing of any medicines/treatments, including homeopathy, is a clinical decision taken in consultation with patients based on clinicians’ competencies and awareness of the medicines/treatments concerned. This includes evidence based advice and guidance. The Scottish Government expects any treatment to be appropriate, person-centred, safe and effective and that clinical and care professionals review the effectiveness of any treatment with their patients.
The prescribing of any medicines/treatments, including homeopathy, is a clinical decision taken in consultation with patients based on clinicians’ competencies and awareness of the medicines/treatments concerned. This includes evidence based advice and guidance. The Scottish Government expects any treatment to be appropriate, person-centred, safe and effective and that clinical and care professionals review the effectiveness of any treatment with their patients.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-18305 by reference.