Stockpiling

You will no doubt be aware of the problems that stockpiling has caused for shopping and getting essential items. Unfortunately, we are starting to notice the same may be happening with medications. There is absolutely no need to stockpile medications. This is not necessary and disadvantages others who may be more in need. The local pharmacies have normal and sufficient supply and medication supply chains are not affected.

To mitigate stockpiling, you may notice that you can only get one month of medication at a time in some instances. We will do our best not to inconvenience you and we are not trying to make things more difficult for patients but we need to be there for everyone and have a duty of care. If we notice medication request trends changing we may enforce tighter prescribing controls.

For most people, prescriptions will continue as normal and you should see few changes. Where medications are changed to once a month, we will be able to issue a prescription for 3 months to the pharmacy but this will only be dispensed one month at a time. This will save you having to keep requesting it from us and you will only need to collect it every month from the pharmacy.

Can I get my medication delivered?

This will be down to individual pharmacies and their capacity. Medication delivery is likely to be limited to those who are housebound and shielding in the first instance.

If you are struggling to get a medication delivered, you can try Phlo which is an app that you can sign up to for your prescriptions to be ordered and delivered (www.wearephlo.com). It is a free service.

I need an inhaler which is not on repeat. I had asthma a long time ago, can I get an inhaler?

 If you are having shortness of breath, cough or chest tightness and feel you need an inhaler, please contact us. If you have not needed an inhaler for quite some time and are thinking you need something “just in case”, it is unlikely that you will need one now. You can contact the practice during opening hours to discuss this if you develop symptoms.

I need my contraceptive pill, can I request this without review?

Your contraceptive can continue for 3 months if you are not having any problems with the medication, without the need for a blood Pressure and weight check.