YOUR NHS PRESCRIPTION
You may have noticed that some or all of your prescriptions and the packages you receive from the Pharmacist may now have different names. This is a result of an NHS directive that generic medicines rather than brand name medicines must be prescribed by every NHS practice. The NHS are clear that this will save huge sums of money and emphasise that this move will not adversely affect patients.
Despite their reassurance, you may have some concerns and there are a number of ways these can be addressed:
· You can search for relevant information on the internet. In particular, NHS Choices have some useful information at http://bit.ly/IbWN8W. This website also identifies some very specific exceptions to the general rule.
· You can make an appointment and talk to a Doctor or Nurse who will do their best to understand your concerns and explain the position to you.
· You can talk to your Pharmacist – they are experienced and are used to giving advice.
· Our Reception staff are not medically trained but they will always do their best to help if they can.
It is important to emphasise, however, that this is an NHS directive and neither our Doctors, Pharmacists or our other staff are able to make exceptions.Ours is an NHS practice which implements NHS policy. The vast majority of our patients understand this and have accepted the need for the changes taking place.
Patients who have been given prescriptions by private Doctors or Consultants and who want their medicines from the NHS can also only be offered the appropriate generic option.
If you are still concerned or unhappy then you will need to raise those concerns with the policy makers themselves and you can do so on this or any other NHS matter by writing to NHS ENGLAND,PO BOX 16738,Redditch, B97 9PT
Tel: 0300 311 22 33, email: england.contactus@nhs.net
More generally, our practice has an active Patient Participation Group where the views and interests of patients are expressed. Only a limited amount of your time is needed and details can be found at http://bit.ly/JypTR3 or from any of the Receptionists. Your participation would be really welcome. If you’d like to comment on this note, our email address is below or you can leave your details at Reception and we will contact you.