Prescriptions

[Joekhaos112]

So is this now a permanent arrangement? Problem solved? I wonder if the manager changed in September, when you said the problem started..

Yes it's a permanent thing as he's seen me crippled up in pain abd barely able to walk he's pharmacist that helps people any way he can and no the manager has been there for years

 

[Oldvatr]

I use to keep plenty myself but all of a sudden they started only allowing me set number of boxes ( to last a month ) then on my repeat prescription says cannot order till ........ usually the same day I picked up but next month

This is similar to what is happening in my area. I get a month's supply one month at a time so I can make up my dosette boxes since the pharmacy charges £8 a pop to do it for me. But my GP will only accept a repeat prescription request in the last 3 days of the previous month. This triggers their response which used to provide a scrip for collection by the pharmacy in 3 days, but now it can be 7 days before the pharmacy gets the paper signed scrip if there is a weekend or Bank Holiday.. Then the pharmacy has to order the meds from their distributorwhich can sometimes take a day or two. Then what meds are instock get delivered to pharmacy who make up my 'kit'. I am on home delivery so it will have to wait till next day before I get it. so meanwhile, I was without any meds for up to 18 days at a time. Of course once that slip occurred then subsequent months are covered by the fact that this slippage is now built in. I order on the 4 week cycle as before, but make up the dosette boxes some 20 days later.

But my heart meds and BP meds are on ration. The pharmacy cannot order until the 28 day period of the previous month has timed out, then they order from the distributor. The kink in this supply chain is that their timing is locked into the 28 days from delivery of the previous batch, and any supply delays push this further out. This month I am still waiting for delivery after 24 days of when I ordered the repeat scrip. I did manage to sneak in a freebie some while back, but one of my pills has changed since last time, so I am using up the old prescription, and have not yet changed to the new med. I am having to push my blood tests and clinic appointments out since these need to be timed to being 2 weeks after starting the new med.

Neither the GP surgery nor the pharmacy is interestrd in trying to synchronise these activities again as it appears to be written in stone (or quick drying cement).

Edit to clarify: I am not an insulin user, and my meds are essential but not urgent. However, heart meds are still fairly important in my view. As are BP meds for someone who has had a CVE recently.

 

[HSSS]

The issue isn’t getting the prescription from the drs. Or even about the delays in the ordering system. It’s the pharmacy (manager) refusing to issue part of the script and insisting on all the items being present before handing out any of them. I’ve never had an issue with this and every pharmacy I’ve used will issue a part order with a slip for medicines owing that are on order. It sounds like she’s just a jobsworth that won’t do that as it makes it a little more complicated keep track of issued/pending medications. Thank goodness the pharmacist has now arranged delivery from the better stocked pharmacy as an ongoing solution.

 

[Daibell]

I must admit I'm amazed and saddened by the problems the OP is having. It needs a serious talk both with the surgery Practice Manager and to try to get them to talk to the pharmacy as it seems they have no competition. My surgery online system (Sytem Online) allows re-ordering 3 weeks after the last script which allows for some stock building over time. I can also order anything off-script as long as the surgery GP will approve that item. The script is approved the same day and sent electronically to the pharmacy. They will make up the script within a few days or while you wait if urgent. They will deliver if needed. They keep large stocks of most things so they don't often have to back-order. I'm on our surgery PPG and we can and do raise issues with the Practice Manager if needed but she is very good anyway and so is the pharmacy we have two locally. Perhaps I'm lucky but can you not raise these issues with the surgery PPG group and/or Practice Manager as you are being seriously failed by your local NHS Primary Care