Gp surgeries - Receptionists asking questions

[SnailyBoy]

Can pharmacies write prescriptions?

 

Because if they can't then you'll have to pay for your medication, won't you?

 

Whereas if you've bought a pre-payment certificate or are entitled to free prescriptions then you're shelling out money you don't need to, aren't you?

 

Would you go to the doctor for something that can routinely be bought over the counter at a pharmacy?

[Guest]

Would you go to the doctor for something that can routinely be bought over the counter at a pharmacy?

 

Seems plenty of people frequently do.

 

“The NHS will no longer be funding medicines such as cold treatments, paracetamol, probiotics, cough mixture, eye drops and laxatives”.

 

https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/the-35-medicines-that-will-not-be-available-on-nhs-prescription-by-end-of-this-month-1-9158245

[Cyclone]

Some pharmacists can prescribe, yes.

 

pharmacist independent prescribers – who can prescribe any medicine for any medical condition within their competence, including some controlled medicines (except diamorphine, cocaine and dipipanone for the treatment of addiction)

[Revel]

They all do it. You only need to be brief. It's just to decide whether you need to see a doctor or a nurse, a priority appointment or in a few days, etc.

[Daven]

It's called triage - to be able to assess for urgency and prioritise those who need to be seen first.

A similar system is used in A&E.

It makes perfect sense but I can understand why some may find it intrusive.