The number of out of stock, or unavailable, products is indeed very annoying for pharmacists and pharmacy staff - leading to a lot of frustration chasing down stock; and sometimes pharmacists will need to refer a patient back to the GP...
The LPC has had a number of requests from GP surgeries in both Gateshead and South Tyneside for support regarding this - as often the patient just turns up with the old prescription telling the receptionist that "the chemist says this isn't available and I have to have something else".
On these occasions the GP might have to be disturbed during a consultation - and one GP reported being interrupted several times with one patient...The GPs are often unaware of the shortages (and what is actually available) and would really appreciate a steer on what is prescribable - or indeed what would be an appropriate alternative.
I'm sure most of us do this most of the time, but it would really be helpful (and good PR for pharmacy) if the surgery was contacted on every occasion and help given - or a solution offered; so the new prescription is available for the patient, or the pharmacy, to collect and the GP doesn't need to be disturbed as much!
The practice pharmacists are helping out as much as they can - but this is a call for action for community pharmacists as we are ideally placed to help here and we really should step up to the plate...
The LPC has had a number of requests from GP surgeries in both Gateshead and South Tyneside for support regarding this - as often the patient just turns up with the old prescription telling the receptionist that "the chemist says this isn't available and I have to have something else".
On these occasions the GP might have to be disturbed during a consultation - and one GP reported being interrupted several times with one patient...The GPs are often unaware of the shortages (and what is actually available) and would really appreciate a steer on what is prescribable - or indeed what would be an appropriate alternative.
I'm sure most of us do this most of the time, but it would really be helpful (and good PR for pharmacy) if the surgery was contacted on every occasion and help given - or a solution offered; so the new prescription is available for the patient, or the pharmacy, to collect and the GP doesn't need to be disturbed as much!
The practice pharmacists are helping out as much as they can - but this is a call for action for community pharmacists as we are ideally placed to help here and we really should step up to the plate...
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