Post dated repeat prescription now the norm??

[justasking111]

Ordered a repeat ten days ago to allow for New year shut down of GP and chemist it's normally seven days ahead. Was told one was post dated beta blockers. I had taken the last one yesterday. Chemical suggested I nip to GP and ask for a new prescription. I did ask, reception looked at my notes and printed a copy unsigned said try that. Back to chemist who noticed that it was unsigned so took it to pharmacist. He had a look and passed it.

I sat down to wait. One customer after another came in with repeats to be told that theirs was post dated could they come back on the right date if they had spare or off to the surgery if they had run out. One elderly lady had a taxi waiting goodness what her cab fare was.

Then another lady came in for their repeat to be told she couldn't have it anymore there was none in wales. There's lots on the shelves behind you Voltarol. Yes you can buy it but the NHS won't approve it any longer..

Everyone was told that they could have their next repeat on 6th February at the earliest.

Is this just our GP or the norm in England, Scotland.

I felt sorry for the pharmacy staff who were taking the brunt of the complaints today.

Given the amount of people over ordering and stockpiling medication, (DN’s see it in peoples homes all the time) and the wastage, I’d say it’s not always a bad thing.

I also think that, given the cost to the nhs of some items, people should be buying lots of otc options for medications.

the nhs spends something like £70 MILLION on paracetamol prescriptions in a year, and that’s just England. It costs the NHS roughly £25 per prescription item for things that cost pence to a shopper and some medicines cost £££’s. Yes I know, not everyone has £’s to spend, and they should not miss out on needed medications. It is going to cost us a lot more once the NHS has gone. It’s a terrifying thought.

It sounds frustrating if you have run out and the surgery have timed it wrong though, you could write a note to the Dr or clinical pharmacist to look into it if you think they have messed up the timings, or write to the practice manager to complain about the system even.

If you read my post you'd have noticed that lots of customers were told their prescription was post dated not just me.

Re OTC meds you're only allowed two packs of say paracetamol, lemsip, ibuprofen in any transaction. Someone on here pointed out that you'd be shopping daily if you had a long term painful condition. Which is why some people do get prescribed painkillers.