Lloyds the Pharmacy sudden change in policy

[Polichinelle]

Today I went to buy a pack of contraceptive pills at lloyds the pharmacy. They are the kind that you order online, a doctor reviews your request and you collect from the chemist. I went to collect at Selfridges in London.

So, on arrival they told me that they changed their policy last week and you now need photo ID. No mention of this when I placed my order and they took my money. I tried showing

AIBU to think that if you don't need photo ID to buy condoms, you should not need it for the pill? And if you do, they should let you know before you pay. I find it discriminatory.

So, since I'm 50 miles from home and I have no photo ID, I will now miss a pill. I'm so annoyed

That should say "I tried showing some online picture ID from a professional site, but that was not acceptable"

I don't think it is discriminatory.

They just want confirmation that you are the one who ordered and paid for it. Many places do this.

Shitty if they have not requested ID before though.

As you are away from home is it a different pharmacy than usual? They may think your card had been used fraudulently?

You know they're free don't you, all you need is a GP appointment?

Getting a GP appointment is a pain so I don't mind paying

Not always easy to get a GP appointment HighwayDragon. I think they should have told you of the policy change at time of order and I'd email them to tell them so

And yes, I'm 50 miles from home. I have plenty of ID, just not picture one. I don't tend to carry a passport with me on daily basis, and they've never asked before. They changed the policy last week.

Condoms are not a prescribed medication - you BUY them in shops.

Your contraceptive pill is FREE from your GP surgery or family planning clinic - it is a PRESCRIBED medication and the Pharmacy just want proof that you are the person you say you are before handing over Pills.

Those Policies are in place for a reason.

Go to a Brook Advisory clinic - again they are free!

OR go to any GP Surgery near you request nicely to be seen as a 'Temporary Resident' and explain what the situation is. Still free!

Better still order them in good time before you go away.

If they changed their policy then I'm sure it's in their online T&Cs somewhere.

Surely they can't be expected to notify everybody each time something changes? A lot of changes wouldn't even apply to most people.

I don't think it's your fault necessarily either, just an unfortunate situation.

Also you very rarely need to see a GP - Nurse Practitioners usually deal with oral contraceptives in GP surgeries.

I think it's fine they ask for ID, to confir, you are the person that ordered said item. The pill is a prescription medication

Condoms are not a prescription medication, you can even buy them in the cinema toilets

I know it's a prescription medication. That's why they have private online GPs who issue the prescription. I honestly don't mind paying, and I had several bits of ID with me.

I have read the confirmation email over and over again, and there's no mention of the change of policy. Nothing I can do now, except for sending them an email and pointing this out.

Not much use to you this time OP but you can buy various brands of pill online, from the online pharmacies. Might be worth noting!

This is prescription medication with potential side effects. It is not the same as condoms.

thyme, that's exactly what I was trying to do. I left it too late to get an NHS prescription, so I ordered via Lloyds online. The issue was only apparent after I went to pick it up. It's a new policy

And yes, the online doctor asked the same questions as the GP nurse, and normally they measure your blood pressure and weight you when you collect. It's not unregulated

ThymeLord, have you read the OP at all? that is exactly what the OP has DONE. However, they want ID before they will hand it over.

OP, it is purely to make sure you are who you say you are. You need photo ID to pick up something from Dorothy Perkins, I can't see why they wouldn't do the same for prescription Meds. It will be the same for all prescription medicine bought online through them. If you were saying they only had this policy for the contraceptive pill then that would be discriminatory.

Surely this change in policy is about financial regulation (the person who paid for the goods receiving them), rather than the fact int's contraception?

Ah sorry OP, I misread.

As i've just said, I misread. It happens to the finest of us. THANKS for POINTING out MY mistake though susurration

If you are still near Selfridges you could pop to Harley St. and pay for a prescription and go to a different chemist to get it filled.

beware, how would that be different? I don't mind paying, but surely they would still want photo ID. Otherwise, but the same policy, a colleague could pop into Harley Street to get it and then send me over to collect the prescription. Anyway, I've accepted now that it'll have to wait till tomorrow. It's just annoying missing s pill because of this

ThymeLord ODFOD... I cross posted with OP so wind your neck in.

Polchinelle I would be kicking up a fuss. Missing a pill would be a massive deal to me.

Surely if photo ID is required it should say that in the email?

Tell me to fuck off but I need to wind my neck in? Have a word.

Some people have medical conditions that mean they really shouldn't take the pill. If you received your prescription online in reality you could have been anyone as they don't check as thoroughly, if you go to your GP they have already checked your identity. I could see how a pharmacist might see the online prescription service as not as secure and request this.

But you know for next time, suppose that is all that matters