Quicker prescriptions in Suffolk Coastal

PATIENTS in Suffolk Coastal look set to get quicker and more convenient access to repeat prescription medicines.

Instead of having to get repeat prescriptions from their doctor's surgery they can now get it straight from their pharmacist.

Suffolk Coastal Primary Care Trust are involved in a pilot scheme for repeat dispensing.

Patients must first obtain a prescription from their GP, which they can then have dispensed on several occasions, rather than having to go back to the surgery each time for a new prescription.

When the patient collects their medication the pharmacist has an opportunity to confirm that the prescription still meets their needs and to answer any questions they may have.

Chief executive of Suffolk Coastal PCT, Ana Selby said: "We are really pleased to have succeeded in our bid to be a pilot site for repeat dispensing," "It will make life easier for patients and save time for all concerned. I

am glad that people in our area will benefit from this initiative at such an

early stage."

The service is due to start in the New Year and initially three surgeries and seven community pharmacies will take part.

These are: Walton Surgery (Felixstowe), Saxmundham Health Group,

Wickham Market Medical Centre, Co-op Pharmacies (Felixstowe & Saxmundham),

Walton Pharmacy (Felixstowe), Boots the Chemist (Felixstowe & Woodbridge),

Lloyds Pharmacy (Woodbridge) and Safeway Pharmacy (Felixstowe).

Once the scheme is running successfully in these sites, it will be expanded

to include more surgeries and pharmacies throughout Suffolk Coastal.

However, staff training and service planning needs to take place before

repeat dispensing can begin.

This initiative, set out in the NHS Plan and NHS Pharmacy Programme, aims to have the arrangements in place nation-wide by 2004.

"Repeat dispensing is a vital element in reshaping the NHS," said David

Lammy. "It offers an opportunity to increase patient convenience, reduce

burdens on GPs and cut waste."