The formulary is a locally-agreed list of medicines that are suitable for prescribing within NHS Birmingham and Solihull. It also includes some other products which can be provided on prescription, for example wound dressings.
Our local formulary is known as the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Medicines Optimisation Committee (IMOC) formulary. The committee consists of representatives from NHS organisations across Birmingham and Solihull, including general practice, local hospitals, mental health services and community teams.
Medicines that are included on the local formulary are assessed by healthcare professionals and medicines experts for their suitability for local use, taking into account national guidance, safety, effectiveness, cost and patient factors. Some medicines will not be included on the formulary. All prescribers are expected to take into account whether the medicine they intend to prescribe is on the formulary.
Medicines included in the formulary are allocated a traffic light status, which offers guidance on who should prescribe and monitor the medicine. This could be your GP, hospital specialist or your care could be shared between both.