Prescriptions
An estimated 50% of patients worldwide do not take their medications as prescribed.
This can be for several reasons such as poor mobility, weather conditions or finances. Therefore, enabling a loved one, friend or neighbour to collect a prescription on their behalf can help prevent them from missing essential medications which could make them more poorly or health condition worsen.
It is important for anyone on a prescription to know and understand their own medications and plan in advance if they are going away or for any bank holidays where health services may be disrupted.
Bank holiday weekends typically see an increase in people contacting the NHS 111 service for emergency prescriptions because they are running out of medication.
Please plan ahead! If you do need emergency access to a prescription contact NHS 111 or see here for more information Emergency prescriptions – NHS 111
The public are being urged to use the NHS app to view and manage their prescriptions, services via the app include:
- Viewing your requested medicines
- Checking if your prescription is ready
- Collecting your medicine
- More information about your medicine
Struggling with the cost of your prescription?
If you have a long-term health condition, you could save money on your prescriptions. A Prescription Prepayment Certificate will save you money if you pay for more than three items in three months, or 11 items in 12 months.
Top tips for managing prescriptions to make it easy:
- Set reminders for when it is time to re-order so you do not run out
- Order in plenty of time – especially if you are going away or a bank holiday is coming up
- Use a medicine box to organise into AM and PM each day
- Keep medication packaging to hand just in case
- Store according to the packaging and keep out of reach of children and pets.
Speak to your local pharmacy if you are struggling with your prescriptions and seek help from loved ones.