Be smart when reordering drugs
LEONA GREENAN
The public are being asked to help reduce the pressure on GP practices and community pharmacies by not requesting repeat prescriptions before they are due.
Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic GP practices and community pharmacies are experiencing a significant increase in demand for their services.
This has included patients requesting repeat prescriptions before they are due, ordering items ‘just in case’ and seeking general information.
George Lindsay, chief pharmacist of primary care with NHS Lanarkshire said: “We understand patients are worried that they may not be able to pick up their prescription if they are self-isolating. However, there are alternative methods of collection and delivery of prescriptions, which include asking your friends and family to help out.
“Requesting repeat prescriptions before they are due is an unnecessary added pressure on practice staff and pharmacies, and it is having an adverse effect on the reliability of the service.
“Many pharmacies are experiencing extreme demand with patients queuing in the pharmacies and outside and this presents a further infection risk for everyone.
“Pharmacists are having to close their doors to manage these risks which is completely unprecedented, but an entirely necessary health and safety response.
“We’ve had cases of older people waiting outside pharmacies in long queues and there is no need for this if normal prescription ordering patterns can be restored. Together we must all only use services for their core purpose and when they are genuinely required.
“That will allow us to return to a more normal demand and provide services in a far better way for everyone.”
To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 GP practices and pharmacies are also implementing social distancing measures and NHS Lanarkshire are appealing to the public for their patience and understanding and to adhere to the measures put in place. Patients who are selfisolating are also being asked to not visit their GP practice or community pharmacy.
All patients should consider the latest Scottish Government advice, including staying at home if they have symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19 or they live with someone that has symptoms.
For the latest health advice, see NHS inform’s coronavirus page. A free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.
NHS Lanarkshire have cancelled all non-urgent outpatient appointments and planned procedures at acute sites.
The move follows last week’s Scottish Government announcement that all nonurgent elective care has been postponed to free up capacity in hospitals for at least the next three months.
Judith Park, NHS Lanarkshire acting director of acute services, said:“The safety of our patients is always our top priority.
“In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the latest Scottish Government advice, we have taken the decision to cancel non-urgent outpatient appointments and planned procedures from today (March 18) at all our acute sites.
“The decision to cancel any appointment is not one that we take lightly and I apologise for the impact this will have on patients.
“Most patients will receive a text message confirming the cancellation of their appointment.
“A small number of appointments will still go ahead as scheduled and will be prioritised based on clinical need and those patients who are deemed clinically urgent will be rebooked.
“Patients will receive a letter, text message or voice message giving details of their new appointment.”
Maternity and neonatal clinics will continue as normal in the meantime.
Patients with any concerns can contact a dedicated helpline number 0300 303 0446.
All patients should consider the latest Scottish government advice, including staying at home if they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms.
For the latest health advice, see NHS Inform’s coronavirus page. A free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.