Nhs Paperless Prescriptions.

[EDDIE51]

Not a question more for information. Prompted by a question on repeat prescriptions.
http://systems.hscic.gov.uk/eps
All NHS prescriptions will soon be paperless , electronically transmitted direct to your choice of Pharmacy.

[237SJ]

I think that will be a good thing.

[Arksided]

Thanks for the insight, the chemist is closer to me than the Doc's surgery which always seems to be full of sick people. go figure ;-)

[Samuraisan]

Here, repeat prescriptions, or indeed once only ones, are electronically put on your NHS card immediately by your GP, then you can go to any chemist and they read your card in their computer and voilá !

[Old_Geezer]

That would make vastly more sense Sam.
So we can be sure that won't be done.

[woofgang]

Be aware that you don’t have to register with one pharmacy and get your prescriptions always sent there. You can choose the pharmacy when you see the doctor if you want to. This is helpful if, like me your choice of dispensing pharmacy will depend on what your plans are after leaving the doc.

[rockyracoon]

Hmmm, not so sure I'm on board with this. What if they haven't got all your meds? can you say, "give me the prescription back so that I can shop elsewhere"

[Kathyan]

Our surgery do this now. I order online and collect from the local chemist three days later. If they haven't got a particular medication in stock they give you a receipt to collect it a couple of days later. Works for me!

[Kathyan]

The above is for repeat prescriptions btw.

[Islay]

Is this UK wide or just England?

As the NHS is different depending on where you are.

[bhg481]

My wife has been using these for a year now - terrific system. She had the whole year's prescriptions sent to the same pharmacy; as soon as she collects one they automatically order the next one in, so no getting there and finding they're missing some items. She can also go twice fairly close together to get one early if we're going on holiday.

[RATTER15]

I live in wales and been getting my meds via internet for over 12 months, I order what I want once a month they then send me a text to my phone telling me when it is ready.

[Old_Geezer]

So if you put in a repeat request about a week before running out and have to leave it a few days to be done: you can then go to the chemist, find that they are out of it, but can't go elsewhere and risk running out waiting for them to get it in. Sounds brilliant. Make sure you request the next lot as soon as you pick up the present lot then. More detriments pushed in by someone wanting to show how they get things changed, making out they're improvements, and claiming it's just folk being resistant to change. They are, for good reason.

[bhg481]

Coincidentally my wife has just come back from collecting her prescription from our local Sainsbury's and showed me a leaflet she picked up about the system.
"Can I change my nominated pharmacy or cancel it and get a paper prescription?"
Yes you can.

[bhg481]

You didn't read my first response OG. You don't need to ask them to order the next one, they just do it automatically as soon as you collect one. Since the next collection will usually be a month away there's plenty of time for them to get it in. They've always managed with my wife's even when she's collected on a week after another.
The bottom line is that you don't need to have them; you can remain a Luddite.

[Old_Geezer]

Name calling aside; the OP says all prescriptions will soon be paperless. This is still a step backwards as flexibility is removed. Why should anyone be forced to always use the same chemist rather than have the freedom to go where they wish when they wish, just to please some official ?

[bhg481]

Please read my post at 12:57 OG. You can still get a paper prescription.

[Old_Geezer]

I've read it. It seems to refer to now rather than soon ?

[bhg481]

You'll just have to try to not get ill.

[Jackdaw33]

Not all prescriptions can be sent electronically. I take Tramadol; the prescription has to be collected and signed for, as does the medication on receipt.

[Baldric]

I have a couple of Meds on Repeat Prescription, great system, I just wander into local Chemist once every 7 or 8 weeks, ask for "Repeat Prescription for Baldric please" and it's job done.
If The Doctors want to see me they give me a ring or send a text to my mobile.