12/03/2023
Successfully Navigating Repeat Prescriptions and ensuring you don't run out of meds!
Regrettably, patients frequently become anxious and frustrated when they arrive at the pharmacy and their prescription isn't ready. Let's face it: it's a pain! On both sides of the counter. This article is written in good faith so we can manage unrealistic expectations and avoid disappointment, most of the time! It is meant to be relaxed and informative and not to offend anybody.
The most important tip: Order your medications together, one week before you run out. Too early and the surgery will reject your request and too late and well, you'll run out and that's where the problem starts. You may have been lucky in the past and ordered it the day before and it's always been ready at the pharmacy. Lucky you! Don't rely on this. As the old adage goes, past performance is no indicator of the future, especially in these uncertain times. Although the surgery states 72 working hours (three days), a week is optimal as it allows for processing delays and ordering time. Working hours by the way don't include evenings and weekends so factor this in.
Pharmacy stock is prohibitively expensive and we use computers and algorithms to manage stock levels. Bad stock control can crush cashflow and ruin businesses so work with us on this. Please don't assume your item will always be in stock all of the time. Stock shortages are rife, delivery services are unreliable and scripts can be delayed or arrive late after the next-day cut-off time. A week is suggested as the optimal time to allow for processing and dispensing. Anything less and well, be prepared for the consequences. It's important to note that at the time of writing, the Lloyds pharmacy chain have just sold up and chosen to exit the UK pharmacy sector. Even the large and mighty it appears are not impervious to the perils and challenges of the current market. Many of you may have seen me on BBC Points West News recentlt describing the fate of pharmacy and shortages. It appears we are not allowed to mention the "B" word and it has become the elephant in the room! Notwithstanding there has been chaos ever since.
"It's on repeat so it just comes by itself" or "the doctor orders it for me" are phrases that privately and simultaneously strike terror, bewilderment and amusement into the hearts of pharmacy personnel. Unless you are on 'batch prescriptions' (and even these eventually expire), somebody somewhere has to trigger the supply process by ordering your meds for you. Doctors rarely do this for repeats but may possibly do it following a consultation. The truth is, you will need to manage your meds carefully and place your order a week before your meds are due. Ultimately you are responsible for.ordering your own meds unless you receive blister packs or are in batch prescriptions. The latter are reserved for our more vulnerable patients.
"But my medicines all run out at different times"! Yes, alas this happens. All the time. You may request a balancing prescription from your surgery if they are badly out of kilter (and if you can get through to your surgery) or simply use up or return the excess to us and do NOT order any more to avoid wastage.
ORDER ONLY WHAT YOU NEED. Don't stockpile meds as this leads to huge and monumental wastage. Return unused meds to our pharmacy either in person or via our delivery drivers. Remember: No Needles. Needles have to be returned to the local authority (Council) by phoning them in person. You need to do this or your representative. This has been the case for over three years now and it is not new.
Know your NHS number! This will enable us to use the NHS TRACKER software to determine with certainty a. If your prescription has been processed by your prescriber and b. if so, where it has gone. This is your NHS 'account number' keep it in a safe place or even better download and install the NHS app on your phone.
Pharmacists generally can't prescribe in community pharmacies. So don't ask for antibiotics or painkillers. We will need a prescription from your healthcentre for this. If you run out of important repeat medication, that your are entitled to receive on a regular basis and can prove it, then you are entitled to receive an EMERGENCY SUPPLY. Conditions apply, this is at our pharmacist's discretion and terms and charges may apply. Yes you may not pay for your prescriptions, but if you don't actually have a prescription then you may have to pay for this as a private service.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY OF MEDICATIONS when you run out. See above.
Finally, use a real pharmacy! Build a relationship with your local bricks and mortar pharmacy team and refrain from anonymous internet providers. A warehouse in Leeds won't help you on a rainy Saturday afternoon! This way we will know you and your meds and are better placed to help you when those mishaps happen as they are sure to. Keep MERRIOTT independent and sovereign and help safeguard health provision for future generations and the most vulnerable in our community. We warmly welcome all new patients to switch over to us. Welcome aboard!
Tel: 0117 300 5446 for more info and and questions.
