The All-New NHS

I ran out of my anti-hypertensive drug and asked the pharmacy for an emergency supply. Sam as you Galen they are not allowed to do that.
I went to the surgery and got a prescription within 5 hours, so was very lucky. The GP practice, pharmacy and I are all local!!!!

I can't fault the NHS here in the middle of Scotland.

Fortunately I can request my prescriptions on line which means that if I am going away, I can do this earlier in the month than normal. The health centre then sends the prescription electronically to the pharmacy round the corner.

Repeat prescriptions arranged through chemists like Lloyd's automatically, do not allow for this! I have pointed it out to them at least twice a year since they started doing the automatic renewal system!

My GP does all mine in 28 day packets. This means I have to submit my on line request several days earlier each month. Which reminds me...

Humph? Very cross.
Because my GP prescribes in calendar months and my anti hypertensives come in 28 day packs, every now and then I fall short.
This happened this am!
Went to pharmacy on way back from court and explained 'was I sure I hadn't got another strip!' 'Yes, I'm sure'
Well you'll have to get a new prescription!
No! Why can't you dispense me an emergency strip?
We're not allowed to! I'll ring the surgery.
Half an hour later I'm still waiting.
The on call doctor has to phone us back and give permission.
One hour later, no call.
I take the law into my own hands and write myself a private prescription.
I have to admit they were helpful to the extent that they looked up the medical register for me as I couldn't remember my gmc registration number!
I now have my pills for the next month for £5

I suppose a lot of Americans can't afford to go to hospital anyway and die elsewhere....

I recently read some statistics that showed the UK compares very badly with other EU countries and particularly with the US when looking at the deaths per 1,000 in hospital. Of course, there are lies, damned lies and statistics and, like all published statistics, these figures are not current (up to 2010 I think). Moreover, things are apprently improving. Even so, it does seem a cause for concern.

I used to work in the NHS. There always were way too many "managers" and nowhere near enough workers. Looks like it's become even worse.

Usual tactic - make everything so complex that nobody has got a clue who's doing what or what the hell's going on.

Love it! So easy to find my way around