NHS North East and North Cumbria leaders say many people receiving B12 injections in the region could safely switch to B12 tablets and dietary changes in the near future under new guidance, freeing up a significant amount of practice hours.

The region has the fourth-highest number of people on B12 injections, with 50,000 patients currently receiving them. Around 85,000 practice hours are spent administering the injections. NHS leaders in the region say that if one in four patients makes the switch, it would free up 21,000 hours of practice time – equivalent to 25,000 GP appointments.

Professor Ewan Maule, director of medicines at NHS North East and North Cumbria, said these appointments would then be available for those who need them most. He noted that the alternative management method could be more convenient for patients, as it would reduce the number of GP visits they need to make.

Professor Maule also clarified that those with a medical need for B12 injections would continue to receive them as normal. Only suitable patients would be offered the alternative management plan under the new guidance.