• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Is it legal for your gp to leave you without needles?

Emma3312

Emma3312

Active Member
Messages
32
My husband requested needles for me 11 days ago but nothing was sent. I called the docters Thursday and told them I had none at all. They said they would do it right away but now 4 days will no clean needles and it's still not done. Iv never had this happen before
 
If it's just incompetence then legality isn't the issue. If you've been 'denied' needles then it's a different issue.

If I was really struggling I think I'd order a box on line for use whilst I sorted out the problem ??
 
urbanracer said:
If I was really struggling I think I'd order a box on line for use whilst I sorted out the problem ??
Click to expand...
I would do the same if I was dependant on needles, go to another pharmacy or go online and get them...
 
Normally I go whinge at the docs if my prescriptions are not processed and sent to the chemist in a couple of days (excluding weekends of course), and if necessary order an emergency prescription, they can do that - though it can be a faff.
 
Are the holding a prescription at your surgery? When I needed needles, for pens, I was told prescription only.

Last resort, phone and demand an emergency appointment because you have been waiting 16 days.
 
Emma3312 said:
My husband requested needles for me 11 days ago but nothing was sent. I called the docters Thursday and told them I had none at all. They said they would do it right away but now 4 days will no clean needles and it's still not done. Iv never had this happen before
Click to expand...
If you're in the UK, you could try ringing 111 explain that you're out of needles and then may be able to get you an emergency prescription sorted and let you know where the closest 24 hr chemist is that can supply it, or at least hopefully sort something out - and yes being out of needles is an emergency.
 
I always keep a good supply of back up supplies just for situations like this. You never know when something goes wrong in the system and it's a life or death necessity for us. Needles can be reused when you have too but they get dull and clog sometimes especially with the longer acting insulins so you have to be careful. I would call 111 or call the doctor and tell them you have been waiting and are reusing needles because you have to and you need some needles immediately.

Being pushy and obstinate is a lot better than ending up in the hospital sick.
 
@Emma3312 has this been sorted yet?

(edited to remove reference to deleted post)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
If you have a prescription you will get free needles get the prescription from your doctor's surgery in person and take it to the pharmacy and the prescription will be filled immediately.

If the doctor has not done the script tell the receptionist that's OK you will wait while he/she the doctor does it.
 
Hi. Always ensure you have a good stock of needles so you don't get into this position. Ask to see the Practice Manager at your surgery to resolve the issue.
 
Emma3312 said:
My husband requested needles for me 11 days ago but nothing was sent. I called the docters Thursday and told them I had none at all. They said they would do it right away but now 4 days will no clean needles and it's still not done. Iv never had this happen before
Click to expand...

Were these needles for insulin injections or something else?

I use a number of types, excluding 1) glucagon needles and 2) pen injector needles or canula in my case, i also use one for another 3 ) disease and 4) a microsyringe (~30mm long) which i carry inside my test kit as a backup in case my pump system has a problem, which has happened a handful of times. It's a life saver. However as the dr wont prescribe it, its getting a bit old.
 
Back
Top