Judges Close Surgery

Reply from Judges Close Surgery
Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:07:21 Z

GP practices in East Grinstead, with the support of Horsham and Mid Sussex CCG, no longer permits pharmacies to order medication on behalf of patients unless the patient meets an exception criteria. Prior to implementing this change the Local Pharmaceutical Committee (who liaise with community pharmacies) and patient groups were consulted and feedback was considered in the decision making process and implementation of this change. Community Pharmacies are not privy to medical records and therefore may order inappropriate medication if changes have been made. Furthermore, pharmacies do not know the quantity of medication a patient already has and may be ordering medication unnecessarily. For these reasons it was deemed that pharmacies are not best placed to order medication. GP practices are encouraging patients to take ownership of their medication and only order medication when it is needed to help make best use of NHS resources. Patients can order medication online via Patient Access, by dropping signed and dated repeat slip into their local pharmacy or in writing at the GP practice. Practice staff will support patients during this time of change. It was acknowledged that vulnerable patients may not be able to order their own medication and therefore are exempt from this change. Pharmacies can order on behalf of identified patients in agreement with the GP practice.