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Ordering medication

(14 Posts)
Luckygirl3 Thu 06-Aug-26 10:09:16

I am with a rural dispensing practice and once a month on a Tuesday volunteers pick up a box of medication for our village. We order online the previous week.
This month I was unwell on ordering day and did not send the order in till first thing the next morning. I have just had a message rapping me over the knuckles for being late and saying they might not be able to dispense.

If you order it a day in advance you get a slap too. If only patients were superhuman!

grannyqueenie Thu 06-Aug-26 10:40:44

An older person with health vulnerabilities that need medication feels unwell takes their eye off the ball and is reprimanded. Good to know compassion and understanding are still alive in the world!! There’s a receptionist at our surgery who I’ve nicknamed Mrs Shouty. She only has one tone of voice, high pitched and loud - she never stops to take a breath. It’s hard to tell if she’s cross or not but I always feel that I’ve done something wrong!

Shinamae Thu 06-Aug-26 10:49:10

I use Pharmacy 2You never any problems….

Luckygirl3 Thu 06-Aug-26 11:03:29

It just seems a shame that they cannot be a bit more understanding - I have no idea how someone with early dementia manages to get their drugs on time.

Shinamae - I am not sure how that might work with a dispensing rural practice or even if that is a choice out here.

HelterSkelter1 Thu 06-Aug-26 11:04:01

grannyqueenie I would be tempted to say calmly "dont shout at me".
But then I suppose you risk being struck off the list for giving verbal abuse. However quietly and calmly.

Shinamae Thu 06-Aug-26 11:13:43

Luckygirl3

It just seems a shame that they cannot be a bit more understanding - I have no idea how someone with early dementia manages to get their drugs on time.

Shinamae - I am not sure how that might work with a dispensing rural practice or even if that is a choice out here.

I’m not sure they have any restrictions on where they would deliver,it might be worth giving them a call…🤷‍♀️

pably15 Thu 06-Aug-26 11:17:29

I would not like to be a patient at that health centre
OH and I get a repeat prescription every 8 weeks, I phone for it ,sometimes a day early or a day late, I dial the number then there's a choice press 1 2 or 3 don't even have to speak to anyone, never a problem.and all the staff are always pleasant and polite. we also get our prescription delivered 2 days later.

Tuliptree Thu 06-Aug-26 11:33:58

I like the idea of their losing your custom - I don’t think they can stop you changing? As for the 8 week idea - bet they won’t because they’d lose out on dispensing fees.

butterandjam Thu 06-Aug-26 11:36:28

When we lived on an island, an independent pharmacy served its three GP practices and the entire population. My regular medication was on a repeat prescription , I just picked it up at the pharmacy. I still do the same living on the mainland. If any different medication is required the GP informs my chosen local pharmacy who dispenses it to me.

Both pharmacies offer a free medication home- delivery service to housebound patients. AFAIK this is nationwide in Scotland.

Luckygirl3 Thu 06-Aug-26 11:37:40

I have looked up the use of systems like Pharmacy2You and it is possible with rural dispensing practices but - and it is a big but! - each order has to go via the practice who can OK it or not, so delays from that source are not eliminated. If that happened I would then be locked in a 3 way system to sort it out.

Tuliptree Thu 06-Aug-26 11:37:51

From AI ( but I checked it)
Your Rights and GP LimitsFree Choice: You can nominate an online pharmacy via the NHS App or directly through your chosen provider. Your GP surgery must respect this choice.No Veto Power: A GP cannot reject your choice of pharmacy purely out of preference or internal policy.

Tuliptree Thu 06-Aug-26 11:38:49

Crossed posts - awful

Shinamae Thu 06-Aug-26 11:41:36

Luckygirl3

I have looked up the use of systems like Pharmacy2You and it is possible with rural dispensing practices but - and it is a big but! - each order has to go via the practice who can OK it or not, so delays from that source are not eliminated. If that happened I would then be locked in a 3 way system to sort it out.

Yes, it has to go to the surgery to be approved by the Doctor..

BrandyGran Thu 06-Aug-26 11:46:42

My daughter sorted the defensive receptionist. She just said nicely” Thankyou so much. You have been most helpful”! Receptionist nearly fell off her chair! It’s a tough job and it makes them hard I expect.
I’ve tried the nice approach and it works!