Northerners are more likely to use painkillers – with Blackpool hardest-hit by chronic aches, figures suggest
- People in the North of England are more likely to need painkillers, data suggests
- 22 out of 106 CCGs spent over £10 per patient on drugs last year, all in the North
- Ten areas, all in London and the South, spent less than £5 on some medications
- A Blackpool GP said deprivation means that patients have long-term conditions
People in the North of England are more likely to need painkillers – with Blackpool hardest-hit by chronic aches, new figures suggest.
NHS data on GP prescriptions shows that 22 of the country’s 106 Clinical Commissioning Groups spent more than £10 per patient on the drugs last year – all in the North.
NHS data on GP prescriptions shows 22 of the country’s 106 Clinical Commissioning Groups spent more than £10 per patient on painkillers last year – all in the North (stock image)
By contrast, ten areas spent less than £5 on medication such as paracetamol, codeine and morphine, all in London and the South.
Blackpool GP Dr Neil Hartley-Smith said deprivation in the area meant patients had long-term conditions and complex care needs.