Repeat prescriptions

chris667

Hello

My partner has a repeat prescription, which we collect at our local pharmacist which is connected to her surgery.

We almost always order the day before, but it is rarely ready when they say it is. We asked for it yesterday and it is due for collection today. I'm not holding my breath.

They're shut all weekend, and my partner can't do without this medication for that long. If it's not ready when we call, I will have to take the afternoon off work and go to another pharmacist, assuming they have them.

Is there a complaints procedure for pharmacists who routinely don't have prescriptions ready?

With businesses attached to a surgery, has anyone complained to their GP and got a result?

Or do I have rights under the Supply of Goods and Services act?

It is more an irritation than anything, but if I have to go somewhere else I will lose some money.

Thanks in advance.

Master_Blaster

If your partner must have the medication and it is often not in stock. Why do you leave it so late? Better planning would solve this without the need for a pointless complaint.

stevemLS

No, it generally won't be anything to do with your GP or indeed the Supply of Goods and Services Act.

Have you complained to the pharmacy - in writing?

You can also contact your local PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) about any primary care contractor.

pimento

My GP will only prescribe two months at a time and I never let myself get below a weeks supply before re-ordering.

stevemLS

Master_Blaster wrote: »

If your partner must have the medication and it is often not in stock. Why do you leave it so late? Better planning would solve this without the need for a pointless complaint.

Can't disagree with this - I need insulin and make sure I order well before I am going to run out - then give the pharmacy 3 or 4 days from ordering to collection.

Hintza

As others have said order it the week before. I think you need to organise things better your end.

I have just ordered a repeat prescription the pharmacy will collect it from the surgery and I will collect either next week or if things don't go to plan the week after.

Mojisola

We have to put a repeat prescription in to the surgery at least 2 full days before it's needed. If the prescription is then sent to a pharmacy (rather than collected from the surgery), it takes at least another day before it's ready for collection.

LilElvis

Some medications aren't regularly stocked by pharmacies so have to be ordered in specially.

Some pharmacies will give a few days dose of a regular prescription if asked.

Another who advocates getting the request in to the doctor a few days earlier. My husband drives me potty with how late he always leaves sorting out his prescriptions as one drug does have to be ordered in especially for him. Without it he can't eat a single mouthful

KittyBandit

electronic prescriptions? go straight to the pharmacy.. and they can order it so you just pick it up when its ready

http://systems.hscic.gov.uk/eps/patients

barbiedoll

Most pharmacists will authorise an "emergency" supply (up to 5 days) of a regular medication if a patient has not ordered it in time.

Of course, this only works when the medication is already in the pharmacy.

I'm with the other posters, "almost always" ordering it the day before, is cutting it a bit fine IMO. We always order ours at least a week before we need it. This gives time for any delays to be sorted out, especially when the bad weather hits and deliveries can be held up etc.

sazaccount

Leaving it till the day before is leaving it a bit late OP, I have to order mine from the pharmacy 4 working days before I'm due, 2 days for the surgery to get it signed and then a day or 2 for the pharmacy to pick it up and to get it ready. Saying that though they are really good at calling the surgery and if needed getting them to fax the perception though if needed the next day (which happened when I left them at my parents house 200 miles away )