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They don't make it easy, do they?

Sporadic Sparkly

Earlier this afternoon, I found myself feeling somewhat exasperated. Admittedly, I am partly to blame...

The fun and games started with me realising that I couldn't locate the repeat prescription form that had been issued with my last lot of medication. In addition to Sertraline, I also take Levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Every so often, I am required to have blood tests to check that the dosage of my Levothyroxine is still right for me. Experience has taught me that if I run out of Levothyroxine and go too many days without it, it can affect the results of my blood tests. As I am running low on medication and have a blood test booked for 3rd November, I was keen to submit a repeat medication request.

There was a time when I used Patient Access for repeat prescription requests, but encountered an issue with it several years ago and have been unable to use it since. Downloading the NHS app isn't an option, due to me not owning a smartphone. As my medical practice won't accept such requests over the phone or via their website's messaging portal, the only option available is to visit the practice and deposit repeat prescription requests in a box at reception.

As I was in something of a predicament, I messaged my medical practice and explained my issue. I can only assume the reply I received back a few moments later had not come from a human being, or if it had, then they hadn't taken the time to properly read my message. The reply informed me that I would need to use the NHS app, Patient Access, or the box at reception. Face palm

Clutching at straws, I phoned my local pharmacy, explained the issue, and enquired if they could act on my behalf to request a repeat prescription from my medical practice. Fortunately, I was told they could as a one-off. Hurrah! Major crisis averted!

  • in reply to Iain

    After my medication has been collected from the chemist, I usually make a point of pinning the repeat prescription slip on a noticeboard in my kitchen. For whatever reason, I had obviously failed to do that when I got my last lot of medication.

    Your suggestion of using a smartphone to photograph a repeat prescription slip may well be a good one for people who own a smartphone. 

    Up until last April, my integrated health care trust offered a Prescription Ordering Direct service. One simply phoned up and stated the name of the surgery/medical practice one was registered with, along with the medication one wished to reorder. This would then be e-mailed to the surgery/medical practice to be approved by one of the GPs. It was a fantastic service that helped to make life a little easier.

  • Sporadic Sparkly said:
    I couldn't locate the repeat prescription form

    Just thinking of a practical solution for this - when you find it or get a new one issued (please do one of these asap) then take a picture of it on your smartphone and email it to yourself - they you can always print it off as a simple way to get a replacement prescription.

    I don't think the pharmacy would accept a printout but it should have all the info you need to email it to the surgery and ask for a replacement - just say the dog ate the prescription or something.

  • Doctor surgeries are becoming increasingly unhelpful these days. It's no wonder so many people just go to A&E. I'm glad the chemist helped you with this. No one should have to go through this just for that.

  • They're shoehorning the NHS App? So much for 'Right to Choose'! Expressionless

    Fortunately, I can phone my Doctor - out of hours - and order my repeat prescriptions via the answering machine.

    My Artist friend has issues with his Doctor and Chemist. I told him that I could collect his script, from his Doctor's reception and take it to any Chemist. However, he said no.

    At least your Chemist was understanding.

  • I'm glad the crisis was adverted :–) 

    I think it's crazy that they don't accept these things over the one or like via emails

    It would save a lot of time and mean a lot less stress for some people. I did suggest this at my own surgery but apparently not enough people would benefit from it :-/ 

    Sometimes it feels like they just like to be difficult lol xD 

    Anyways I'm glad you got yours sorted out and the pharmacy were good enough to help out ^^