Patients urged to use online services for prescriptions

LOCAL health leaders are advising patients how to get their medicine during the pandemic.

Patients are urged to order prescriptions as they did pre-pandemic, which includes online apps such as MyGP or Patient Access.

For those who used to order their repeat prescriptions using a paper script, all prescriptions will now be issued electronically to your nominated pharmacy, if you do not have a nominated pharmacy you will be asked to select one.

Paper prescriptions will only be issued in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of your GP practice.

The Prescribing Ordering Direct (Pod) service continues to be open but patients should only call if their repeat prescription is due within the next seven days.

Patients in one of the clinically vulnerable groups who have no support network from friends, family or neighbours to collect medicine should speak to their nominated pharmacy to request delivery.

Dr Peter Gregory, local GP and chair at NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We want to reassure patients that there is no need to stockpile medication and urge them to order their repeat prescriptions in the usual way as they did before the pandemic.

“Our POD and local pharmacies are receiving overwhelming demand so it’s important we all access these services sensibly.

“It is also crucial that those most in need also ask for help where needed.”

Patients are also being reminded of the importance of not presenting at a pharmacy if they or someone they live with is showing symptoms of Covid-19.

Frequently Asked Questions to the Pod service include:

Can I have an inhaler?

Unless you have a confirmed diagnosis of a chronic respiratory condition (such as asthma) pharmacies cannot accept requests for inhalers.

Can I take ibuprofen? If you currently use anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) for nonCovid-19 related conditions (such as arthritis) you should continue to do so.

Can I have a rescue pack?

You should not contact your GP practice, pharmacy or Pod for a rescue pack. You should continue to manage your condition in the usual way and if you feel that you have symptoms of Covid-19 you should go to https://111.nhs.uk/ covid-19 before doing anything else.

To find out what health services are available and how to access them, visit the website https://bit.ly/ CCGCOVID