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GP has changed my strips without notifying me!!!

Ruggers

Ruggers

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I went to pick up my prescription today only to find that the Pharmacist had given me the wrong test strips (not that uncommon in my experience). I told him that these were not my test strips and he pointed out that the prescription had changed and if i wanted my normal test strips i would have to buy them!!!!!!

Now, i don't have an issue with trying a new meter/strips as i do understand that it could save the NHS millions of pounds a year etc, but I was not told that my test strips would be changing and haven't been offered a new meter! There was no mention at all of this change at my recent prescription review either.

The GP seems to be aggressively forcing me to change meters, by simply dumping me on to the new test strips which i think is appalling......but what good are they anyway if i don't even have the **** meter that they work with!!!

The next available appointment is in 18 days time (I can try and call early in the morning to get an appt the same day...... but i have never been successful in the past), i have 4 days worth of strips left for my current meter..........

Surely the GP can't just change my strips without informing me?

Should i buy strips to cover the next 14 days?
 
Seems very harsh treatment. No, I would not buy test strips. I would call doc first thing and see what's going on. To be fair, a lot of areas are going to a single meter but you should at least have been informed and given new meter.
 
Hi What a shame that your doctor does not communicate. It would have saved you the stress it has caused you. So sorry. In France they are very careful to explain whys and what the reasons for change. Although there are sometimes I have to kerb my concerns. As soon as I mention that things are not right. He comes up with a new solution. I sat in his office for over an hour he can speak English sp that helps, But I find that if he did not talk with me. then I would be up the wall. I am thankful that although he is a busy man, He takes the time to tell me and assure me of benefits.They seem to be more into diabetics and procedures here. I hope you get sorted out. I agree phone him. to change your prescription without your knowledge is not ethical. and need to address it.
I wish you luck. and hope that things are sorted. Take care.
 
I would phone up today and if there are no appointments ask if a Dr can phone you today. Are you expected to buy your own meter? Ask for a prescription of your old strips until you can get sorted with a new meter. Totally unacceptable to do that without telling you.


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Hi. This is ridiculous and I would ask the surgery Practice Manager or reception to issue you with a meter ASAP. My surgery changed to MyLife Pura meters last Autumn but I had a nice letter to come in with a group, and test out the new meter with the DN. We were then each given the new meter and asked if we were happy to have our scripts changed to the new one. We were told it was not mandatory and could stay with the old meter and strips if we wanted. All very well handled and I changed as it's a nice meter and the surgery said the strips were cheaper than most
 
My GP surgery swapped my meter over a few months ago.
It was better handled though it still could have been better.

If they have changed your strips then chances are that the surgery will actually have a bunch of meters to give out which will go with your new strips.
Probably worth going in and having a chat with reception and potentially the practice nurse.
 
This is beyond stupid, how are you meant to test your bg if you don't have the meter? I would ring the Practice Manager and explain the situation and ask that they give you a new meter for the change in test strips or give you a prescription for your old strips, whatever you do don't wait 18 days.
 
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