Prescriptions

Does anyone know if I can get my prescriptions in bulk, 3 months worth, as it is a hassle having to take time off to get to the doctors and the chemist every other week for more needles etc?

My local Lloyd's Pharmacy does a 'Prescription Collection' service - so I can pop my prescription request form into the GPs at the weekend and then collect the stuff from Lloyd's the following Saturday. Doesn't your chemist do this?

I'm not too sure. I've got my 3 month check up on Tuesday so will speak then.
But I've heard some people can get bulk prescriptions, something I'll look into.

Can't you just order your repeats by phone or online, and if necessary get someone else to pick them up? It's worth asking your GP though...not sure what the rules are, the pharmacist may not be too keen on ordering in so much to keep in stock though...and all depends on the supplier's rules too.

Most GP's should now be doing online repeat prescriptions, its set to become mandatory as part of the rules on GP's and chemists. So if you cannot do online ordering you should be able to soon. You should also be able to get your prescription sent automatically to the chemist of your choice, leaving you with just one trip to the chemist to pick up the prescription. Some chemists even do home delivery, however as you work thats not an option. They would not be allowed to deliver it anywhere else as its a prescription drug AND its temperature controlled. I have never heard of bulk prescriptions but its possible. I don't think the chemist would have a problem they are just glad of the business and the suppliers don't have 'rules' only the 'drugs licensing agency' have rules over drugs

That is very interesting Marke. Here in North
Lanarkshire they have only recently discovered the 20th century, and decided that they don't like it. I cannot arrange appointments or prescriptions online. I used to be able to phone in repeat prescriptions until a few weeks ago when I was told that I would have to take them in personally or post them. When pressed they grudgingly agreed that I could fax them. I have arranged with the doctor to prescribe in monthly quantities, which does help.
I'm not sure whether it is the pharmacies, the surgery or both which are incompetent, bungling idiots but my attempts to use the repeat prescription services offered by several local pharmacies have been an unmitigated disaster. On several occasions I was left in a potentially dangerous position. From the stories I hear from other people, many of the surgeries in North Lanarkshire, and Cumbernauld in particular, operate systems which are designed primarily for their own, rather than their patients, convenience. I think it is deploreable. I wish I knew what I could do about it.

Kind regards,

Roger

Myself, in South Lanarkshire, simply email my GP surgery and my local chemist has it ready in 2 days time......I don't see any problem for all surgeries to offer this service, but we all know it doesn't work like that....

With regards to the bulk order, that would be done to the doctor prescribing, as they are paying for it, and may have some financial plan in place that can vary from surgery to surgery. Wouldn't hurt to ask by phone if possible.....

That reminds me, need test strips and Novorapid.......

How interesting that Ahmentep is in NORTH Lanarkshire and novorapidboi in SOUTH Lanarkshire yet you have such different experiences of prescriptions. I find it incredible that Ahmentep you have to physically have to go to the surgery, that's crazy. I would definitely try and have a word with someone, considering that you are in the same NHS as novorapidboi.