doctors soars by 70% in a decade

The number of medicines given out on prescription has jumped almost 70% in the past decade, figures show.
In 2010, 927million prescription items were dispensed in England, up 4.6 per cent on 2009 and 68 per cent on 2000.
For every person in England, an average of 17.8 prescription items were dispensed, compared to 17.1 in 2009 and 11.2 in 2000.
The highest number of drugs dispensed were for the cardiovascular system, while the most expensive bill was for drugs to treat disorders of the central nervous system.

Increase: For every person an average of 17.8 prescription items were dispensed, compared to just 11.2 ten years ago

The average cost per head was £169 in 2010, compared to £165 in 2009 and £113 in 2000.

High blood pressure and heart failure accounted for a high number of prescriptions, while drugs to treat diabetes were among the most costly.
The overall net ingredient cost of all items dispensed was £8.83billion in 2010, up 4 per cent on the previous year and 58 per cent on 2000.
The average cost per item was £9.53, down from £10.12 in 2000.

There is a huge amount of waste. Up to half of all medicines for long-term conditions are not taken as intended by the prescriber
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NATIONAL PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

Today's data, from the NHS Information Centre, relates to prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists.
Its chief executive, Tim Straughan, said: 'This report shows that on average people in England are receiving more prescription items than 10 years ago, although the average cost of each prescription item has decreased over the same period.

'Prescribing has a significant impact on peoples' lives; and from a financial point of view is of substantial cost to the NHS.
'Today's report is important in giving people and the NHS the information needed to help understand prescribing today and patterns over time.'
Care services minister Paul Burstow said: 'The big rise in prescribing revealed today largely reflects the impact of a growing and ageing population, as well as an increase in the prescribing of preventative medicines, such as low cost statins, for cardiovascular diseases.
'These figures show that the demand for healthcare is increasing. The NHS must adapt and innovate to ensure it is able to meet these demands.
'We are increasing investment in the NHS by £12.5billion but the NHS needs to be smarter with its resources.
'That is why we are continuing to encourage the prescribing of preventative medicines, which help to prevent illness and improve patient outcomes.'
Mike Holden, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'Prescribed medicines represent the largest non-staff element of the NHS budget (approx £9billion per year in England) so it is vital to get value for money from this investment.
'There is a huge amount of waste. Up to half of all medicines for long-term conditions are not taken as intended by the prescriber.
'There is no doubt that much more value for patients and the taxpayer could be extracted from this massive investment by supporting more effective medicines use.
'After all, the least cost-effective medicine is one that is used improperly or not at all.'