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AIBU?

to wonder why the NHS advert says to get your prescriptions in time for Christmas when...........

60 replies

HelenaDove · 18/12/2016 23:33

a lot of GP surgeries wont issue them earlier. Last year i remember picking DHs one up on Christmas Eve. Previous years the 23rd. It doesnt really allow for the fact that the pharmacy might not have the particular item needed in stock. So to keep seeing this advert/public information film telling the PATIENT to make sure to get it on time is bloody annoying.

It would ease the pressure on A and E over Christmas too.

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Want2bSupermum · 18/12/2016 23:34

Yeah. It's annoying and another example of the terrible management ruining the NHS.

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Aroseforemily · 18/12/2016 23:35

I've had this issue. I have a medication which isn't always in stock at the pharmacy so I tried to order it a week early but the GP refused.

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Bettyspants · 18/12/2016 23:37

I haven't seen the advert but I agree it's ridiculous when surgeries don't comply, despite the GP partnership running of surgeries they are under the NHS..... humph.

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m0therofdragons · 18/12/2016 23:37

If your gp refuses then contact your local ccg - they oversee gps and run this campaign!

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PeteSwotatoes · 18/12/2016 23:38

Whether you can order a script early depends on your GP reception manager or whichever member of staff issues repeat prescriptions.

The system is set up to yell at staff that you're trying to order too early if it's not exactly a month since you had your last script.

Some people take this very literally and won't issue it. If you ask to speak to someone in charge, they might be more flexible about it.

Some practices will refer the query on to a GP and have a policy that the receptionist can't issue if it's not due. This then creates a delay.

Some practices get it and some don't.

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Reality16 · 18/12/2016 23:38

never been refused meds early, I just order what I need and pick up the script a day later

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HelenaDove · 18/12/2016 23:39

Ta MNers Apologies to anyone who have seen this comment from me before (ive had a couple of mini rants on other threads) but i felt the issue needed a thread of its own.

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KnitsBakesAndReads · 18/12/2016 23:40

I don't think the adverts are a bad idea, it sounds like the problem is surgeries who can't use a bit of common sense about patients ordering repeat prescriptions early due to Christmas. I had a similar issue once when I requested a prescription early due to a holiday. I wrote on the repeat request that I needed it early as I was travelling and they refused to issue it and instead returned my repeat slip with a note saying I must be overusing my medications as I wasn't due a prescription yet.

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PickAChew · 18/12/2016 23:40

Ours are much less strict in December.

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HelenaDove · 18/12/2016 23:41

Pete its been tried. We were told if it was put in a few days too early it would be refused , cancelled off the system and we would have to put it in again.

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PeteSwotatoes · 18/12/2016 23:44

Your surgery sounds wank, like one I used to work at. No flexibility for patients, endless problems.

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Needmyowndesertisland · 18/12/2016 23:46

Not seem the advert, but I see this from the other end, in the pharmacy. We're shut for two extra days. Two. Fuck me, it's been crazy busy this last week. We do a repeat service where we order the patients meds for them, they just tick it off when they collect, and 28 days later it's there, ready again. We've ordered all these early, and should have them finished, but it's mind boggling how people panic. DON'T! please! Pharmacies get deliveries twice a day, the only thing that may take longer are the specials, and you'll know if you have one.

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HelenaDove · 18/12/2016 23:46

Pete it was in special measures and is now on its second private provider.

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HelenaDove · 18/12/2016 23:47

Needmyown my local pharmacies have mostly been fab and i really appreciate them

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HelenaDove · 18/12/2016 23:48

Knits thats ridiculous.

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Want2bSupermum · 18/12/2016 23:51

Well my Dad has come over state side to visit family. He needed scripts last week to see him through mid January when he returns. They refused to fill them. I called and explained and the GP still refused to allow them to be processed. DH was so pissed off he called the GP and asked why the heck they haven't allowed my Dad to get his scripts only to be told they don't want him to overdose by accident. It's cancer medication. He isn't an idiot.

We ended up getting my Dad to send through the listing of his medication and ordered it online via Canada. Got it delivered 3 days later and now he won't run out.

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Needmyowndesertisland · 18/12/2016 23:53

Helena, if you have regular meds, and your pharmacy is reliable, maybe ask if they have a similar service?

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IvorHughJarrs · 18/12/2016 23:53

Need You are absolutely right. Why people think they need an extra months' medicines for 2 days stoppage I don't know although people whose repeat is due around the bank holidays themselves may need an early script

Our surgery issued an extra month of medication at the end of Nov / beginning of Dec so the people affected by the holidays have their repeat meds in hand without having to order again. All in our area do this so it is only the non-regular medications that need ordering

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HelenaDove · 18/12/2016 23:54

Supermum Hope you all have a lovely Christmas.

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HelenaDove · 18/12/2016 23:57

Need They would still need the script And our surgery was taking up to 3 weeks to issue repeat ones. A lot of the panic they have brought on themselves.

DH requires 9 items including meds to help with his breathing. If its left till the last minute theres a bloody good chance the pharmacy wont have it all. Which wouldnt be the pharmacies fault.

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Want2bSupermum · 18/12/2016 23:58

Thanks Helena. It's tough this year as my BIL is also very sick and my MIL keeps going on about my Dad. My BIL has brain cancer and it's come back a second time. It's not looking good for my BIL and I wish the silly old bat would shut up about my dad when my BIL is struggling with chemo.

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HelenaDove · 19/12/2016 00:01

Im so sorry to hear that Supermum.

And then you got more stress that you didnt need with your dads inflexible GP.

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FretYeNotAllIsShiny · 19/12/2016 00:03

I have a similar problem, my sicknote runs out on boxing day. I'm not likely to be fit by then.

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Idontbelievethelies · 19/12/2016 00:24

I think it's more likely aimed at the gazillions people who will realise on the 23rd that their prescription runs out in the morning and so they need an ' emergency' script because they haven't ordered it in time. Usually at 3 pm leaving everyone about 3 hours to do millions of scripts .

Issuing early will depend on the drug, some are safe to issue in advance some are not, and when it is due. If it's not due till 2 Jan for example it can be issued in the week between xmas and new year.

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maggiso · 19/12/2016 00:26

Our local pharmacy will get regularly prescribed medicine in if asked before the script is written to save time on ordering. Obviously they can't give it out till the script is received. Ds has one med that can only be prescribed every 28 days- it would run out over Christmas without the pharmacy getting it in in advance, since it always runs out About 4 days after we can reorder which is not much good with bank holidays.