Is this the norm now re GPs/prescriptions

[Nosejobnelly]

I’m on medication which I take 2 x a day. I’m under consultant care but the prescription is managed by the GP and should be able to request repeats using the NHS App.

Was going to request on Monday as I meds run out today. Looked at the App and it said I could t request at that time.

My GP’s prescription line is only open for one hour a day, so in Tues I call them - I have to do a pointless e-consult and get an automated email to say I’ll hear back by 6.30om on Weds - maybe the Dr will send a text to say it’s been sent to the pharmacy or wants to discuss an aspect of my meds.

No contact from GP at all so I call yesterday morning. I’m getting a bit concerned now but Receptionist says the request is with the Dr and I should get a text that afternoon or today. Nope!

Now I’m getting really worried so I pop in to pharmacy in my way out this afternoon. Wasn’t on my way but no issue, left more time to get to my destination- speak to the pharmacist- she said my surgery takes 5 days to process a prescription (although Receptionist said 3). Thankfully she took pity on me and issued me an emergency prescription for 4 days, so I’m covered. I even told the Receptionist I run out today so as far as they know i didn’t get my meds in time.

I have been thinking of changing surgeries for a while but idk if that more hassle! My DD changed to the possible new one from her old uni GP and it seems to be taking ages to go through (ironically she requested her meds this morning from her old uni GP as she’s still registered there and they’re ready to collect already!).

If I was old/infirm/working somewhere I couldn’t make/receive calls easily I wouldn’t be able to be so proactive. What do people do in these situations?

I have to request mine about 3 weeks ahead of time as pharmacy takes ages. GP approves in a few days but then it sits with pharmacy

Same. The systems/dates never quite dovetail and it's a pita.

I use the app patient access
It tells you what date you can order on what date
I get a lot of medication and HRT stuff and have not had any problems

if I need it early ( cos I might be away ) I just put a message in the notes

i get it from boots pharmacy - they are a bit slow but if I want it quicker I just go and ask them and they will do it if I don’t mind waiting 10.15 mins

I have a prescription which doesn't show in the app, it has to be ordered via the online form and approved by the GP every month and then sent to a pharmacy in town as the GP surgery dispensary won't supply it. Probably one month out of three they fail to present it to the GP and I have to chase them. What is so irritating that this is a monthly prescription for 3 years so it's not like it's a surprise, nothing I can say will get them to change it how it's prescribed and it drives me nuts. The pharmacy in town is great, they have to order it in and have it within 24 hours.

Sometimes automated isn't the best, certainly not in this case.

I've never had any issues - I order via Patient Access about 10 days before I run out, my prescription gets approved within 24 hours (normally within 2), and then sent to Boots, who text me when it's ready to collect (normally within 48 hours).