CHANGE TO PRESCRIPTION PROCESSING TIMESCALE

❓ What is happening?

Our current turnaround of 3 working days for prescriptions has been increased to 5 working days.

❓ Why is this happening?

We are listening and making changes. Our patient survey indicated we need to give you more time and focus and this is difficult to achieve when there has been increased demand for GP appointments and a short prescription timescale.

In extending the time for a prescription to be sent to your pharmacy this allows the GP to focus on the patient in their appointments. It also gives them more time to review each prescription request.

We have also seen an increase in problems with medication supplies nationally. This means we receive multiple requests to the doctor to prescribe a different medication that also may or may not be in stock. We do not have the capacity to change prescriptions at short notice due to supply issues. These should be resolved between the pharmacy and the patient directly. Please note, there are many national medication shortages and your pharmacy is also in a difficult position.

❓ How does this make things better for you?

✅ Your doctor has more time to support you in your appointments giving you the focused care you need

✅ Your doctor has more time to review the prescription request reducing the risk of any errors

✅ Time for you to ask your preferred pharmacy to order the item for you

✅ If you make your request through your pharmacy they will have more time to ensure they can stock the item you are requesting or request an alternative they do have in stock for you

✅ Your preferred pharmacy can provide a 5 day supply of emergency medication if you forget to order in time

✅ The aim is less to-ing and fro-ing to your pharmacy/GP

✅ A smoother, safer process for everyone

❓ What do you have to do?

⚠️ Review your medication and make a note to request it 5-7 working days before it runs out

⚠️ Consider whether you may wish to ask your pharmacy to make your requests going forward so they can check medication stock as well as ensure the request gets to us at the right time

⚠️ Ask your pharmacy if they have the medication in stock

⚠️ If you have forgotten to request your medication, the same policy applies as is currently in place – if it is not on a list of urgent same day medications it will not be processed and you will have to wait

⚠️ If you forget to request your medication please ask your preferred pharmacy to provide an emergency supply whilst we process your late request

Pharmacies are also under a lot of pressure and the extension of this timescale will also help them to help you.

It is a big change and during the transition we will do our best to assist you.

Thank you for your continued support 💗