I have received a letter from Sue Harriman, Chief Executive Officer of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB), regarding potential changes being made to the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) Service.
I am aware that 24 of the 87 GP practices based within Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are signed up to this function, with the remaining 63 surgeries managing prescriptions in-house or via the NHS App.
Sue Harriman, Chief Executive of BSW ICB, has stated in her letter to me that “this current model creates an imbalance across our region, with POD unavailable to the majority of BSW residents.”
I have responded to the letter to raise concerns on behalf of local residents and staff at the Prescription Ordering Service (POD).
I have raised concerns about how these proposed changes may impact on the most vulnerable patients, those typically without internet access or the ability to use online forms, either through choice or barriers. I have asked how these patients would be able to order their prescriptions, both regular and one off, and emergency prescriptions if the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) closes, along with the telephone ordering service.
I have also raised concerns on behalf of the GP surgeries who currently use POD and asked how / if they have the facilities to manage prescriptions in house.
I am aware that many care homes currently order medication through the POD care home service, so I have also raised concerns about the many dosette prescription requests that come through the service for care homes daily, as well as the potential impact on pharmacies.
I am aware of the importance of the Prescription Ordering Direct Service (POD), and I will continue to raise concerns on behalf of the local residents here in South Swindon who contact me, as well as staff.
