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Original poster

Getting prescription delivered to workplace - OK or bad practice?

82 replies

SidhuVicious · 30/11/2024 02:47

So, I recently restarted on the ADHD meds I took as a teen. Went via the RTC pathway and they're now prescribed by ADHD 360 with the idea that my GP will take over shared care once stabilised.

The issue is that they send the meds in the post to arrive the day before I need them and I'm never home to sign for them. My elderly neighbour agreed to help but missed the first two days claiming they didn't attempt (assuming she didn't hear the door) and the third time she was out, so that isn't really working.

I decided I'd just collect them from the post office depot in future but after failed delivery to my address on a Monday I wasn't able to get to the post office until the Saturday and went three days without my medication which caused severe withdrawal symptoms.

One of the managers suggested I get them delivered to work and this has been fine the past two months. However, today I got a call from a colleague whilst on a day's annual leave telling me that the other manager was furious and that I needed to go in immediately and collect them - had to leave my friend's house and do a two hour round trip in the traffic to collect them.

Manager was saying that I could've got them all in big trouble as the person that signed for them left them in the management office and big boss could've found them. Apparently he was saying to my colleague that the package 'looked suspicious' and said something about it probably being some dodgy steroids for my partner which I didn't want delivered to my house (he knows my partner is a big guy who competes in powerlifting, although he doesn't use anything of the sort). I'm guessing somebody must've mentioned it was medication.

I spoke to the manager in question and explained it was my medication and that the other manager had said it was fine and he immediately said I shouldn't be implicating other people and that his wife works for the NHS and he knows that prescriptions are not usually posted and signed for. I offered to open the box to show him the meds and also an email on my phone with my prescription.

He said I could absolutely not open it in front of the plant cameras as that would put him in the situation that he'd have to report it due to visual evidence implicating him and to just take it and leave site immediately. Wouldn't let me get a word in.

I'm a little staggered. The whole situation is fucking bonkers to me. Fair enough, I'd be happy to never order it to work in future but this seems completely disproportionate, especially as everybody is usually pretty chilled here usually and managers regularly do things like let us leave before our hours are up if they know the work is done for the day etc.

Anyway, aside from the odd comments about it being dodgy steroids etc I'm wondering if ordering prescriptions to work is generally a no no. I wasn't expecting it to arrive until Monday so usually would've been there to sign for it myself.

OP posts:
DataPup · 30/11/2024 17:14

Have you not already declared you're taking concerta to your employer? When I worked on HS2 anything that would show up on a drugs test had to be declared

Original poster
SidhuVicious · 30/11/2024 17:13

In this case is there someone who could collect your medication from the chemist on your behalf? For instance a family member? If not then I'd ask your gp to send your prescription to a local pharmacy that is open late.

Sadly there's not as I've moved an hour away for work and wouldn't have time to go home in the week. It comes from ADHD 360 as it's not on shared care yet. I'll look into the supermarket chemist thing but not sure how that works.

Do they usually take delivery of prescriptions not ordered by themselves or would it just be the cashier putting it under the counter and me hoping the person now on shift can find it?

OP posts:
BobbyBiscuits · 30/11/2024 17:12

@Catza Ok. I know what a CD is, and it has a blue script. I didn't know such things could be delivered and signed for by a stranger who's not the patient. I've always thought CDs must be collected f2f at a pharmacy, for that very reason.
So it seems like it's not OPs fault, but that of the pharmacy who sent it?
Either way how would the boss know the contents of the package? If I ordered thrush meds, hep c meds, HIV meds, I would hope it would not say so on the packaging?
It's not illegal drugs!
It's medicine, it's personal. Surely that's not anything for him to blow his top about on her.

fiftiesmum · 30/11/2024 17:12

Pretty standard hours for junior doctors although they are around on weekdays.
Good to hear something is still happening at HS2 I thought it would be grinding to a halt

Original poster
SidhuVicious · 30/11/2024 17:07

JC03745 · 30/11/2024 13:31

If you are working 10hr days, surely you aren't working that 5 days a week? Why can't you collect the meds on a weekend or whatever day/s you aren't working?

Why would you think that? 50hr weeks are pretty common outside of office work, especially in construction. Truck drivers are pushing 60 hours easily.

OP posts:
Sirzy · 30/11/2024 17:04

Ds adhd med is a controlled drug and is delivered every month so I get it’s not easy. But it’s a controlled drug, if it was delivered to work and then went missing it would be a nightmare to sort out.

talk to the company who are prescribing and find a better solution.

KrisAkabusi · 30/11/2024 17:03

He doesn't have the right to deem certain medication more 'dodgy' seeming than another.

He does, because this is exactly what this is. It's not any ordinary medicine, it is a controlled substance, legally distinct from other prescription medicines.

Psychoticbreak · 30/11/2024 16:59

They are a controlled drug and allegedly very addictive - I have adhd and take them but sometimes forget thanks to the adhd. You should be only picking them up yourself and not having them delivered.

Catza · 30/11/2024 16:10

BobbyBiscuits · 30/11/2024 13:47

And plus the fact the other boss literally suggested it! What is the actual, sensible reason why you can't have medicine delivered to your workplace? He doesn't have the right to deem certain medication more 'dodgy' seeming than another. Is there a boss above him?

The actual sensible reason is that concerta is a controlled drug. In the same class as opioids. There is no risk assessment in place to ensure safe delivery and storage of a controlled substance on site and to protect both the OP and other employees from harm should the drug be stolen or misused. Not to mention that the courier should not have handed it to anyone who was not the named person on the prescription.

Runskiyoga · 30/11/2024 15:30

He had jumped to the conclusion that it was something dodgy that could have got you and others in the shit and that he needed to have plausible deniability for, but I am beyond furious for you that he wouldn't look at your proof that it was legitimate.
Mud sticks and I would be concerned to set the record straight when he has calmed down. 'Can I just check that you are now completely satisfied that it was my legitimate medication that was delivered to work, that delivery to work had been suggested to me, although I am now aware that is not appropriate? I do not want you to have a misconception of me or my actions.'

PonyPatter44 · 30/11/2024 14:37

Concerta is methylphenidate. It's a class B drug and your manager is right to have a raging shit-fit about it lying around in the office. You really need to find a solution for delivery- would one of the supermarket pharmacies that are open late and at weekends be a better option for you?

saveforthat · 30/11/2024 14:31

My chemist has boxes outside. You can open them with a code you set up 24/7 See if there is anywhere near your home or work that does this.

GnomeDePlume · 30/11/2024 14:27

My take on this is that Manager 2 made an assumption. The wrong one.

Rather than stopping for a moment and listening/thinking he ploughed on.

Some people are very poor at acknowledging that they have made a mistake. Instead they double down on it.

Manager 1 said it was okay to have the prescription delivered. So, not unreasonably you acted on this. Manager 2 has now said it's not okay.

In your shoes I would err on the side of caution and try to work out another solution.

Nursemumma92 · 30/11/2024 14:10

Look into pharmacies in your area with prescription lockers- Day Lewis is a company that I know has them but there are possibly others. You have to go in to branch and get signed up but once that's done you can collect them from the locker 24/7. Very straightforward. Or as PPs have suggested, supermarket pharmacies are often open longer.

Futurethinking2026 · 30/11/2024 14:05

MissPeaches · 30/11/2024 03:59

If you get severe withdrawal symptoms from Concerta does that mean you never take a day or two off? I've been on and off Concerta and a few other stimulants for over 20 years and they work far far better if you skip a day or two each week, and if possible a few days or more every few months to avoid building up a tolerance and going up in dose. I certainly rely on my meds for busy days and workdays but as long as I don't have that much to do it's not uncomfortable. I had no idea stimulants could cause withdrawals but I know everyone is different. I wonder if a shorter-acting stimulant like Medikinet would work well but be easier to stop and start? I'm sure you have your reasons for taking Concerta but I do think you might eventually struggle if you can't go a few days without it.

Re your main question -- your manager's response was OTT but clearly you can't send it to work again. Can you get a PO Box or someplace that can accept mail on your behalf and you pick it up later, but with better hours than the mail depot?

Agree @MissPeaches , my DS literally takes them on days he needs them (exams / tests / classroom work etc but doesnt take them when he’s working outdoors : on weekends etc

fivebyfivebuffy · 30/11/2024 14:01

Mine are delivered to work, they have to be kept in the fridge and there's no other option
I can't choose when they arrive either, I just get a text which says they will arrive tomorrow

Pickled21 · 30/11/2024 13:48

In this case is there someone who could collect your medication from the chemist on your behalf? For instance a family member? If not then I'd ask your gp to send your prescription to a local pharmacy that is open late. Often supermarket pharmacies have longer opening hours, I'd take some time to check if there are any nearby that would suit.

Concerta is a controlled drug. In the pharmacy it is stored in a locked cabinet until it is dispensed and then after too. It isn't suitable at all to have it delivered to your work unless you have processes in place with regards to safe storage and some sort of paper trail (some workplaces may be able to accommodate this) however you did ask a manager so haven't done anything wrong as such just a little unwise.

BobbyBiscuits · 30/11/2024 13:47

And plus the fact the other boss literally suggested it! What is the actual, sensible reason why you can't have medicine delivered to your workplace? He doesn't have the right to deem certain medication more 'dodgy' seeming than another. Is there a boss above him?

Potentiallyplausible · 30/11/2024 13:37

Completely not allowed to receive any personal parcels or deliveries at my workplace.

JC03745 · 30/11/2024 13:31

If you are working 10hr days, surely you aren't working that 5 days a week? Why can't you collect the meds on a weekend or whatever day/s you aren't working?

HPandthelastwish · 30/11/2024 12:58

First manager was trying to be kind, but second manager is correct apart from the weird steroids job. Having controlled drugs delivered to work is not ok you'll need another solution or potentially a risk assessment in place with what should happen with them when they arrive - kept in a locked cabinet - but I suspect from manager 2 s reaction that won't be happening

Original poster
SidhuVicious · 30/11/2024 12:57

MissPeaches · 30/11/2024 03:59

If you get severe withdrawal symptoms from Concerta does that mean you never take a day or two off? I've been on and off Concerta and a few other stimulants for over 20 years and they work far far better if you skip a day or two each week, and if possible a few days or more every few months to avoid building up a tolerance and going up in dose. I certainly rely on my meds for busy days and workdays but as long as I don't have that much to do it's not uncomfortable. I had no idea stimulants could cause withdrawals but I know everyone is different. I wonder if a shorter-acting stimulant like Medikinet would work well but be easier to stop and start? I'm sure you have your reasons for taking Concerta but I do think you might eventually struggle if you can't go a few days without it.

Re your main question -- your manager's response was OTT but clearly you can't send it to work again. Can you get a PO Box or someplace that can accept mail on your behalf and you pick it up later, but with better hours than the mail depot?

Yes, I don't have a day off. When I googled it said 'Abruptly quitting Concerta can cause severe psychological withdrawal symptoms. Instead of suddenly quitting, users can wean themselves off the drug under a doctor's supervision.'

I felt awful and my job is the type where I need to be on the ball as I'm operating heavy construction machinery in close proximity to people. A second's lack of attention can literally cause fatalities.

OP posts:
Starlightstarbright4 · 30/11/2024 12:54

Try pharmacies at supermarkets they are usually open longer hours .

Original poster
SidhuVicious · 30/11/2024 12:50

Also, as mentioned, I wasnt expecting it to arrive until Monday as pharmacy processing usually takes a few days. I should've actually been in work yesterday but was stood down the night before due to the HS2 rig breaking down.

OP posts:
Original poster
SidhuVicious · 30/11/2024 12:47

Starlightstarbright4 · 30/11/2024 10:10

Why don’t you get your prescription sent to a chemist then you can pick them up .

It'd have to be open late. My core hours are 7-5 with 45-60 mins drive home. However, as is the case with the trucking/construction sector, it can easily become 7-7 on any given day. Atm I'm working on HS2 and finishing around 6pm most days.

By the time I get out of all my PPE, do my daily report etc, and into the car it's often closer to 18:30. Drive will usually take closer to 30 mins at that time but the M5/M6 can always be busy. I may speak to the pharmacy that get my NHS prescription as they're open till 18:30. I might be able to get there on the odd day, hopefully at least one in three.

OP posts:
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