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Original poster

Confidentiality and chemist

29 replies

Xmaspud22 · 19/12/2022 19:35

Just a rant really!

I'm on my second prescription for HRT and both times I have been to collect it from the chemist they keep saying what my prescription is in front of the whole queue.

I'm sure they could be a little more discreet and I know its nothing to be ashamed of but I don't want my prescription announcing to the shop.

This eve I went in, I said I spoke to Dr X on Fri he was sending a prescription for me and gave my name. She looked it up, ah yes the Evorel patches? But this is loud and there was a big queue behind me and with only 1 person serving. So I Said yes. Then she rings to the extension upstairs, have you got a prescription ready for first name, surname it's for Evorel patches? Then she is discussing with, yes yes the 50's. She was said they are getting it ready. Surely there could be a more discreet way of doing this?

This and last time I went in for them is the only time they feel the need to announce my prescription by the item name.

Anyway next time I'm going to ask the doc surgery to send it to the other chemist in the village!

Is it just me or would you expect a bit more confidentiality?

OP posts:
stbrandonsboat · 19/12/2022 19:40

Some places are staffed by idiots. I had to say out loud in front of other patients that I was expecting venlafaxine (antidepressant) when the staff couldn't find it. I'm going to have to change chemists. Our village one is like something out of the Soviet era, and about as caring 😭

FadedRed · 19/12/2022 19:41

There is no need to say the prescription contents out loud - you should complain about this.

XenoBitch · 19/12/2022 19:43

My pharmacy just calls my name when my script is ready. They ask for my address, and that is it. No mention of what meds etc.

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General health
amiold · 19/12/2022 19:45

It's a bit crap but I wouldn't bother. Nothing to be ashamed of and most people won't know what they are

XenoBitch · 19/12/2022 19:46

amiold · 19/12/2022 19:45

It's a bit crap but I wouldn't bother. Nothing to be ashamed of and most people won't know what they are

Except when you are waiting for methadone, and people then step away from you because they think you are a filthy junkie.
Not me btw.

amiold · 19/12/2022 19:47

Yeah I get that I just meant menopause treatment is very normal

Gwenhwyfar · 19/12/2022 19:48

I'd prefer people to know I was on HRT than to hear my name and address to be honest.

stbrandonsboat · 19/12/2022 19:48

Some people will know what things are for though. It's not right. Totally unprofessional.

TakingControl2023 · 19/12/2022 19:51

'Please don't announce my name and prescription details in a room full of people'

Honestly, some people are so thoughtless! And only a blunt 'stop' will make them re-think.

Original poster
Xmaspud22 · 19/12/2022 19:54

I know it's a normal script, think it's just because it's new to me and probably a bit sensitive.

It was the way she was on phone and did say my full name and what it was for when it was so quiet and there was at least 6 people behind me. I could have known someone there and I wouldn't particularly want say a school mum or neighbour knowing.

Sorry to the others who have also been in a similar situation. I'll definitely try a different chemist next time, got 3 months worth so least it's not for a while 😁

OP posts:
stbrandonsboat · 19/12/2022 20:01

The yoof they have working at ours rolled his eyes when I asked to speak to the pharmacist after he'd told me they had no venlafaxine. This is a drug that mustn't be stopped suddenly so I was panicking.

daisyjgrey · 19/12/2022 20:06

Sign up to Pharmacy2U and have it posted out.

Original poster
Xmaspud22 · 19/12/2022 20:09

daisyjgrey · 19/12/2022 20:06

Sign up to Pharmacy2U and have it posted out.

Good idea! Will do.

OP posts:
FictionalCharacter · 19/12/2022 20:24

The dispensers at our local Boots always make you say your address and sometimes they ask what the prescription is for. Last time I just said it was for 2 different items and she got the hint that I didn’t want to announce my medical conditions to the rest of the queue. Surely they don’t need to do this. The prescription is dispensed by one person and checked by another, isn’t that enough of a safeguard against giving you someone else’s meds?!

XenoBitch · 19/12/2022 20:27

I am baffled that anyone is having their meds read out to them, or having to say what they are for.

Gwenhwyfar · 19/12/2022 23:26

amiold · 19/12/2022 19:47

Yeah I get that I just meant menopause treatment is very normal

I hope I won't be embarrassed when the time comes, but it just occurred to me that someone might be having a premature menopause in their 30s or something so it could be very upsetting.

Gwenhwyfar · 19/12/2022 23:27

XenoBitch · 19/12/2022 20:27

I am baffled that anyone is having their meds read out to them, or having to say what they are for.

Well if you go to the surgery to make a dr's appointment you have to tell the receptionist what's wrong with you in front of everyone. Ours had some kind of bullet proof glass so you had to shout.

Mrsjayy · 19/12/2022 23:30

I've never had my meds read out I've been asked for my name and address but never what's in the bag, how odd that a pharmacy is run like this.

RoyFuckingKent · 19/12/2022 23:33

I use Lloyds pharmacy App. I can request repeats and they are posted out avoiding our local pharmacy completely (who I wouldn’t trust to sell me a pack of paracetamol)
I have Evoril Sequi and they don’t seem to have much of an issue supplying.

not really bothered who knows though. TBH the murderous look on my face might be the giveaway that I’d not got them 😂

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 19/12/2022 23:34

OP I nearly started the same thread today after picking up a prescription and being asked what it was for infront of everyone ,this seems to be a new thing and in the age of confidentiality I can't believe it's happening! I don't want medication announced to the queue thank you very much!

Homeofgames · 19/12/2022 23:41

I've worked in a chemist before. Once you give your name, we have to ask for address or d.o.b to check it's the correct person getting the prescription.
We have to counsel patients on their medicines, and therefore do go through the bag.

I often ask what it's for as this saves me time - is it in the fridge? The controlled drugs room? In the repeats drawers etc.

Where I worked we dispensed a lot of first time meds, appreciate explaining is not necessary for repeat prescriptions.
I think the answer actually is a counselling room for confidentiality.

Homeofgames · 19/12/2022 23:44

Sorry, meant to say, yanbu to be annoyed, they should review how they do things. But knowing what the prescription is for massively speeds up finding it!

DivorcingEU · 20/12/2022 00:36

I'm in the EU. When I pick up my prescriptions, I give my name and they find me in the computer, with date of birth as confirmation. On the system it says what the prescription(s) is(are). And they go and get it. If it's a first time they'll ask if you know how to take it and if not, you get a printed sheet of instructions. Again, nobody knows what it is. Although they could see the box.

If it's ok to shout your prescription info out in public, then it's surely ok for it to be stored on a secure computer system. And definitely preferable.

LadyAstor · 20/12/2022 01:30

Yes, this has happened to me.

I’m also taking HRT and have had it announced in front of others at the local Lloyd’s chemist in Sainsbury’s. EVERY time, without fail, they’ll not have it in, and quiz me about what it is, who my doctor is, do I know it’s a double charge, then they’ll shout my full name, ask me for my date of birth (I’ve even had one dispenser say “ oh! You don’t look 54, are you sure? Ha ha...” )

I find it so unprofessional and embarrassing and it’s middle aged women, not young people saying this.

Ive had the same - a lecture actually about how to get things cheaper - when I’ve picked up ointment for an anal fissure. Cost about £75 and she was aghast.

Just give me my sodding prescription!

Its like the old days of passing your shopping to the checkout worker and having them comment on your dry skin cream and Super Tampons.

I’d love to see a new system, where you go in, say your surname, say you’ve come to pick up a prescription. The chemist then asks for the day & month you were born & your house name or number. So you’ve passed security and maintained confidentiality/privacy.

2022you · 20/12/2022 03:39

Really not okay, especially in a village where people know each other. There are some medical conditions that can lead to discrimination at work, or harassment. Employers hesitant to employ you in case you take too much time off sick.