The NHS has just sent my BP sky high! Rant.

[Treaclewell]

I went to sign in to the 'app' (hate that name) called Patient Access, which I have used up to now to keep track of phone interactions, appointments and re-ordering medication. Worked fine, though when they changed it from memorable word to a 6 digit passcode on my mobile it got a bit of a faff. Last contact a fortnight back.
This morning I trotted down to my study early, with mobile, and went to access it. No go. Tried again. Re-started. Tried again. Nothing. No error message. Not a thing.
So I went into the surgery, where I had to collect a specimen bottle, and explained and asked for the repeat presciption. 'We don't use PA. We use the NHS app (grr).'
'But I used it just the other week' 'I'll have to see my manager'. Comes the manager 'We don't use PA. We use the NHS app. You have to go into the app store and download it'.'But how have I been receiving messages on PA?' 'Would it have been possible for an email to explain the change?' Mumble mumble 'It's down to the NHS'

Exit from surgery. 'bugger, bugger, bugger'.Drive home.
Address computer for signing in page. NHS shares with PA. Not having used it, have forgotten password. Reset password.
But they have sent me a text with a six digit passcode.
On my old mobile, which is in the car.
I swear and go out to the car.
It should have been charging up there, but I disconnected it to charge my other mobile. I haven't used it, but it's now flat.
I scream wordlessly.
I hate six figure passcodes at the best of times. I can't get in to change the record of which mobile number to send it to until i've got it.
They are the invention of Satan.
6bloody6bloody6bloody666
Goes off muttering to find charger.

Whilst i do understand the need for security measures i too share your hatred for passcodes, its a lottery when ordering my sainsbury shop online as to whether they require one on my visa card check or not, i am always irrationally pleased if i get away without it. Particularly hate if I am abroad and not using my phone number and they want to send code to my phone, for a while i had visa send to my e mail but they now say that this cant happen ☹️

Update, and more expletives.
Collect my old mobile from the charger. A moment's worry that housemate had swapped it for his phone, but no.
Downstairs to sit at computer and log in to NHS app (grr). 6 figure passcode arrives. But then it gives a screen which says it can't proceed as I haven't given permission to access Patient Access. What!!!
Start again.
Have to go through 6fig passcode again. A new one.
I get in.
It sends me to PA. Which needs a 6 figure passcode on my other mobile, which is up two flights of stairs.
I do need exercise, though.
So the practice manager didn't know what she was talking about, as the medication ordering is through PA, whether accessed though the NHS app, or directly.
Honestly.
And I won't know when my prescription is ready when done through the surgery.
Gah.
And once more I can't get in to PA, but can access through the NHS, and it has updated my meds. Hooray. Quicker than usual.

Missing the point entirely, but why do you hate the word app?

Back in the day there were things called programs for this sort of process, then application explained what they did, app is a babyish word to my ears. Also, they seem to go wrong a lot and there's nothing to be done about it. My health watch software, app, has spent two days not connecting with the watch, for example.
And when someone says, 'you just have to download the app' from a position of assumed authority, it irritates. Most days it doesn't, to be honest.

Just out of interest have you considered getting your meds through an online pharmacy like pharmacy 2 u? I switched last year and they e mail me when i am due to reorder, i go into their app (😁) click on those i need and they send a request to my GP who authorises and they send them out in the post to me, so much less hassle.

But what then happens to my local pharmacist, who worked through my friend's mother's endless supplies brilliantly?
It looks as though my system will be back at normal working though, providing I go through NHS, and I have changed the mobile it will text. But I will bear that link in mind. BP normal again!

Good point, my local pharmacy is probably grateful as its so snowed under with people queuing out of the door! Glad yours works well for you and that you have managed to work out the system for ordering, long may it last ( until the app is updated and everything is lost again 🙄but thats a story for another day)

Op I use the well pharmacy app for my medication. They send me an email when it's due, the request goes to the GP for approval. A week later I get my medication through the post no problem.

ive experienced similar issues. I’ve always used Patient Access. I think it’s a third party app which draws data from your GP surgery. I’ve always used it for reordering medication. However, I think the NHS own app has now “caught up” and you can re-order medication on there now. I had the same experience with a receptionist. She didn’t seem to know that there was an app called Patient Access. The NHS should really tidy this up in ensuring that all the functionality within Patient Access is available on its own app and then stop sending data to PA, but it probably won’t.

Yep, OH had this too. Happily using PA for a couple of years, then suddenly he couldn't log in, lots of expletives, no longer recognised his user logins, telling him his email wasn't valid, etc.

Phoned GP reception to be told they don't use PA and to use the NHS Direct App instead. She denied them ever having used PA, even though OH has the original letter from that same GP surgery giving him his login instructions, patient code, etc!

By the way, I'm still using PA, and have just ordered my monthly repeat prescription on it. Same GP surgery!! Funny that, considering the receptionist was adamant they don't use it and have never used it!

I think if these organisations want people to use the apps, which I agree with, they should at least have competent staff advising and helping people use them who actually know what they're talking about.

I wonder if we share a GP...

Latest problem - urine sample. Nice little kit. Lidded jar with curious device in lid. Tube with sealing hole in its lid. No instructions, but tiny drawings on jar lid sticker. I make a mess of transferring from the jar, which I haven't filled, having guessed wrong on the way to connect the elements. A tiny amount goes in (Nicely pale) but when I try to get more in the tube empties. Search internet. Helpful illustration on how to fill the jar, which anyone can get right. Nothing helpful about the tube, except to say it involves a vacuum.
I shall have to go and grovel on Monday for a new kit, since the jar won't be sterile.
Given the average age of patients, and that most of them would have an IQ lower than mine (not boasting, but I am a bit above average - grammar school level) an A4 illustrated sheet handed out with the kit might be an idea.
Fuming slightly.

Not sure I get the problem as haven't changed my mobile phone number in like 20 years. Despite upgrading my phone 🤷‍♀️

I get my local pharmacy to mange my repeat prescription so I only have to go and collect them.

I do hate having to download endless apps for stuff though 😒