Find out what Mumsnet users thought of Echo by Lloyd’s Pharmacy

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who have been testing Echo by Lloyd’s Pharmacy to get their prescription delivered to their door. Interested in using the service yourself? Find out more and sign up here.

Here’s what Echo has to say: “Every day Echo by LloydsPharmacy helps thousands of people get the medicine they need. We work with NHS England GPs to take care of repeat prescriptions. Using Echo by LloydsPharmacy will give you:
- Handy reminders for when to take and reorder
- Power family medicine management - you can easily manage your child, spouse or parent's medicine.
- Fast and free delivery”

Testers, please answer the following questions, as well as giving any other feedback you have and completing the short survey we’ve emailed to you.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?
2. What was the best thing about using Echo?
3. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

All selected testers who give the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

So much better. Easy to organize and prescriptions sent quickly. The last app I tried was all over the place, so I had to resort to the long-winded process of doing it all manually.

2. What was the best thing about using Echo?

For me it was being able to get my daughter's prescriptions sent too.

3. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

I will definitely continue with this system, it reminds me when I need to order...which once I've added my husband's prescription will be so handy , as he always waits until he has run out of tablets before telling me...in fact I'm off to do that now!

1.How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

Prior to using Echo I used to pick our prescriptions up from LLoyds in our local Sainsburys. During lockdown we were told to shield due to my husbands illness so getting our prescriptions was a godsend.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

Easy, quick and I can do it online. Also I don't need to queue at the supermarket to get into a chemist

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Yes - because it is one less job on my list now. thank you

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

Much more convenient as there are less steps to the process. Previously, I had to request medication online, go into the surgery to collect prescription, drop off at the chemist and then return to collect medication. There was much more room to forget things/put it to the bottom of the to do list.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

The process only having one step. This is really helpful for people with Adhd who tend to struggle with processes containing lots of steps.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Yes as its a great way to ensure that I dont run out of medication.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions? Soooooooo much easier, don't have to leave the house to collect my prescription and so convenient too to be reminded to order the next lot.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo? It is co convenient to use, added other members of the family and it's a seamless way of talking to the GP/ getting prescriptions through the door.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why? Yes I will and I have - amazing service and free using Royal Mail.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions? So much easier, can sort it out on the go or at work with no phone calls etc.
2. What was the best thing about using Echo? The fact we don't have to find time or parking to go to the pharmacy.
3. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why? Absolutely, so easy, can't believe it's a free service!

How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

It’s much easier than having to write it down and bring it physically to the doctors surgery which is less waiting time now as well

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

The fact that it came with my regular post and I didn’t have to go and wait for ages at the pharmacy

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Yes and get the same as what the pharmacy would give and I can get it delivered as well

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

It’s a lot more convenient as I don’t have to find time to go to the chemist (sometimes difficult as I work full time.)

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

Not having to go into a shop where there may be people who are unwell. Also previously having to remember to apply for a repeat prescription.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Yes I definitely will, it seems like the perfect solution for someone who needs to take medication regularly. I’ve only used it once so far but believe it will automatically send my medication when it is due. It’s so much more convenient.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

Really easy to use and set up and you can add several prescriptions to your account. Plus it reminds you when you need to reorder your prescription.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

Having it delivered to your house instead of needing to go collect it.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

No, I tried to reorder but apparently my GP no longer delivers through Echo so I will have to go back to using my old pharmacy.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

It just took it to the next level! I have regular medication and while my repeat prescriptions go to my local pharmacy automatically from my GP throughout lockdown I’ve had to ring the pharmacy every six weeks to arrange (and then pay for) home delivery because we’ve been shielding. This was seamless. I signed up at 5pm on Monday night and half expected to get a query from my surgery before the first prescription was released. I got an email alert saying the prescription was in at 10am Tuesday and the prescription popped through my letterbox before Wednesday lunchtime. It exceeded even wildest hopes and expectations.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

Free and fast delivery!

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

I’ve already used it for my second repeat prescription and MIL, DH and my dad have all signed up for it too. It’s just incredibly convenient, especially now we’ve entered second lockdown and don’t want to be out and about unnecessarily.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

I used to really struggle to get my prescriptions. As a teacher I couldn't just leave work early or at lunchtime etc. So I usually had to ask someone else to go to the doctors to get my prescriptions. So this was a complete breath of fresh air! They just turned up, when I needed them, and I didn't need to worry about collecting anything!

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

How easy it was to use and how it's a thing I no longer need to worry about every month.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Definitely. Already continuing. Life is so busy and this is just a thing which makes it easier. I love the reminders of when to order things and then the communication. I will continue to use this now.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

It is absolutely brilliant, I love it. So convenient, one less trip into town (even more useful at the moment) and one less thing to remember.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo? The email reminders, I will now never forget to order.
2. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why? Absolutely why wouldn’t I! Have already recommended it to my mum and she’s signed up.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

Usually I log in to ‘patient access’ and request prescriptions. The can be collected from my usual place (eg local chemist) and I collect the medication from my GP surgery which has a dispensary. I sometimes tick the prescriptions form on the repeat slip when I collect the prescription and hand it straight in so it’s ready at the surgery when I need it.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

So easy! Unfortunately I had issues with it but it was all from my GP practice side not echo. Echo were great at keeping me updated with it all. The best thing would be the convenience of not going to collect it.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

I’ll give it another try to see if my surgery can get their act together with it better this time, and if so I absolutely would always use this way to save me the journey.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

Using Echo is so much easier than the way I used to manage my prescriptions. I used to have to phone my local Prescription Ordering line, where I would often be on hold for 10-15 minutes before I spoke to anyone. I would then have to wait 7 days before the prescription would be ready at my local pharmacy. I would then go and collect. Often, parts of my daughter's prescription would be unavailable, and I would find this out when going to collect the medications, resulting in being given only a few days' worth of her medication, and picking the rest up in a few days, or them having to order the medication in, if none was in stock, and my daughter running very low on her medication.

Echo is so much easier, I simply order all medication through the app, and the medication is delivered to my door a couple of days later. I have not experienced any incidences of delay of getting my daughter's medication due to not having stock.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

The time and stress it has saved me! No more hanging on the phone for long periods of time trying to order medication, no more having to go to my local pharmacy with my children in tow, no more running low on medication due to low stock/pharmacy not ordering when they receive the prescription.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

I will continue to use Echo, as it makes my life so much easier, and it is much more efficient than my previous way of obtaining mine and my daughter's regular medication. I have also recommended Echo to my parents and friends.

Thankyou

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

Previously I had to call the doctors to order new medication. This then changed to contacting the pharmacist directly. Once it was ready to pick up, I had to go to the pharmacy and wait for the medication to be ready. This particular pharmacy has always had long waiting times. One time during the first national lockdown I waited for over an hour outside to be seen! So being able to make a request from my phone and have the prescription delivered by Royal Mail has been a brilliant improvement and time saver.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

Definitely having prescriptions delivered to my door. Being able to manage prescriptions for my family too.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Yes I will. The only negative I can think of is that it may take a couple of days to get a one-off prescription delivered from speaking to a doctor. So if a prescription was urgent I might ask for it to go to a pharmacy so I can get it same or next day.

I think there’s some minor improvements that can be made to the app, such as making it easier to work out how to add another person and their medication. Also it’s telling me that my DC is low on medication when they have another month left. But overall I am happy to continue using Echo.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

So much easier, I get an email reminder, I log in to Echo, select the medicine I need. It's usually posted out the next day and I receive it through the letterbox 2 days later, amazing.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

No more waiting in the queue at the pharmacy, which is currently outside so not ideal especially when I have to take my children with me.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Yes definitely, I don't know why I haven't tried it earlier to be honest! It seems too good to be true, simple, quick and no extra cost to me or the NHS.

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

Soooo much easier, love how clear and intuitive the app is and how easy it makes to see medications listed and order prescriptions. On the whole the service was fast and efficient with the exception of one medication I had to wait a couple of weeks for.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

Not having to trek to the pharmacy and queue with two little ones.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Absolutely, hugely convenient. I've signed my mum up too.

@JustineBMumsnet

Been selected and just waiting for survey and first prescription delivery. The bi will give feedback

When will the draw take place please?

I set up Echo, but hadn't added the DCs medications.

I then got an email from Echo addressed to DC1 saying that "Your chosen pharmacy has changed" and is no longer Echo. I have no idea why, I did nothing to change it.

How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

It’s so much easier, especially at this current climate. Living in a small village, I was forever queuing, or forgetting my repeat prescriptions but this so so easy to use and send reminders which is perfect.

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

Definitely the reminders for me!

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Absolutely, it’s so much easier and as I required daily medication it’s just made my life easier

@JustineBMumsnet

Please could you respond to my post?

Hi @Jroseforever - we'll be processing the first batch of £5 vouchers this week (which should mean they'll arrive with those testers who have already given feedback next week). Following this we'll be repeating the process roughly every two weeks, so you should expect to receive this voucher 2-3 weeks after giving feedback.

The prize draw for the £100 voucher will happen once all testers have had the opportunity to give their feedback. As the nature of this service means that some testers will test and give their feedback later than others, we're expecting this to be next month.

@JustineBMumsnet

Hi *@Jroseforever* - we'll be processing the first batch of £5 vouchers this week (which should mean they'll arrive with those testers who have already given feedback next week). Following this we'll be repeating the process roughly every two weeks, so you should expect to receive this voucher 2-3 weeks after giving feedback.

The prize draw for the £100 voucher will happen once all testers have had the opportunity to give their feedback. As the nature of this service means that some testers will test and give their feedback later than others, we're expecting this to be next month.

In addition to posting feedback here, is there a survey link?

I received my prescription from echo this morning so keen to feedback

1. How does using Echo compare to the previous way you managed your prescriptions?

Very well. I was with Healthera (good) but echo was quicker and I liked postal collection

1. What was the best thing about using Echo?

Very good app.

1. Will you continue using Echo or not, and why?

Yes because very positive experience

I successfully set up an account to get my daughter’s repeat prescription delivered by Echo after I received the email saying I was part of the trial. As I need the prescription soon, I logged into the account today to order it but a message appeared saying “Your GP doesn’t let Echo send prescription requests”. I am disappointed that I cannot take part in this trial ☹️

I am confused. After I got a message saying “Your GP doesn’t let Echo send prescription requests”, I thought I wasn’t able to use it so I requested the prescription online my usual way, and then got an email from Echo asking me to confirm the prescription. Then I got a message saying “We’re waiting for your GP to send us a prescription for your medication” followed by another email from Echo saying they are getting the medication ready to send out. So I presume I am part of the trial after thinking I wasn’t?! Hope so!