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

I did kick a fuss but short from jumping over the counter and getting them myself, what can I do?

Asking them how they're going to sort their fuck up?!

I've been in a similar situation through no fault of my own and a smaller pharmacy couldn't have been more helpful. In fact they gave me a strip of 7 minipills to last until I got home free of charge.

That is why I suggested a different chemist though. There used to be an independent one not far from Montagu Square (not sure if it is still there) - old fashioned shop. Or John Bell & Croyden, Boots in Baker St.
They may not all have the same policy, or is it a legal requirement?

There was a TV documentary a while back where pharmacies were selling prescription drugs that were hidden behind the counter, it might be to do with that, it was at Marble Arch.

Unless it is a new law or something you are not obliged to go to a shop where they will have high security, you can try a chemist further away. I suggested the prescription in case you needed a different one as I don't know about the online thing.

Phone your GP surgery, they can email a prescription.

Anyway, I've found a solution. A friend who is on the same pill, will lend me one for tomorrow and then I'll give it back. Now I know for next time

I picked up a prescription for my colleague from boots, they asked me her address, I said hadn't a clue, but they still gave me her prescription, some pharmacists are nicer than others

My surgery doesn't allow prescription requests over there phone. You have to do it online and it takes 3 working days. I should have planned it better but I've mega stressed recently and lost track of time. Anyway, it's sorted. Thank you everybody for your useful suggestions

Sorry OP I have nothing helpful to add but can I just ask which online service did you use? My GP won't prescribe a medication suggested by a hospital clinic due to costs I'm more then happy to pay for it and would like however I've never had to use an online service before

I used Lloyds the pharmacy, but there are others. In London, there are also private GPs who will see you for £50 and prescribe what you need. My friend got antibiotics last week for a UTI. Sometimes it's worth paying to see someone, as missing work is too expensive for contractors.

Lovely thank you very much, I'll definitely give them a try as the hospital believe it will be beneficial so I'm more then happy to pay

While I can understand the ID issue, I find it blood annoying, as I have no photo ID.
No passport and an old paper driving licence.

I Wonder why they've never asked for id before now?
I'd be very annoyed too if this was never a policy and was nowhere in their t&c.

I think that if something needed with photo on, it should be mentioned when you are paying on the site.
Why should anyone know that in the last week, a policy has changed and now yu need ID wo telling people?

I get why they are asking for an ID, it's a medicine, unlike a condom and therefore has a lot of potential issue going with it.
I'm not sure what it achieves though as they will still have no idea if you are the person that the doctor spoke to in the first place

There is a sexual health walk in centre in Soho, so 10 mins walk from Selfridges
They will give you a prescription and you can take that to any pharmacy and get your pill, no photo ID required

Thanks everyone. Lots of good tips here. I've found out that pushdoctor.co.uk will arrange for someone to see you online, via their app. I guess it's like an Skype appointment. Good to know for the future as well.

Update: they've sent me an apology and a discount for the next time. Strange to get a discount for prescription medicines, but well, it's a gesture.

"I find it discriminatory."