September 18th 2024

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Pharmacists call to amend prescriptions for shortage items

Pharmacists are calling for regulatory changes to enable them to make minor amendments to prescriptions.

This follows research stating that one in five people face difficulties accessing medicines due to shortages in the supply chain.

A survey, Experiences of NHS healthcare services in England, publishes the following findings:

• 13.6 per cent of patients had to return to the same pharmacy on a different occasion
• 3.6 per cent had to visit multiple pharmacies
• 3.2 per cent were forced to seek a different service, such as a GP or urgent care
• 1.8 per cent could not access a pharmacy and took no further action.

According to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the figures highlight the challenges faced by patients in the face of medicine shortages and the extra burden on pharmacy teams to manage and resolve these issues.

Of those who experienced difficulties in obtaining their NHS prescriptions, over a third of problems (36.1%) took three to four days, and 13.6% seven days   

Director of England James Davies said: “Medicine shortages have grown substantially in recent years, which is placing a significant strain on both patients and staff.  Changes are urgently needed to ensure patients receive their medications promptly and to reduce the strain on the whole of the NHS caused by medicine shortages.”

• A survey published by the pharmacy regulator considers tightening the controls on online pharmacies. This is open until October 9.