GP prescription service in Coventry and Nuneaton to be axed
Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 1:03 pm
Prescription Ordering Direct is used by patients at 70 GP practices across the area
A GP prescription service in Coventry and Nuneaton is set to be axed. Patients at 70 GP services across the area use the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD).
It allows them to call a dedicated number to speak to an experienced health professional when needing to reorder a repeat prescription. But CoventryLive can reveal that it is to be stopped in March.
The move to an online app service will impact patients, many of whom are elderly, who may not use mobile phones. The decision has been made by the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).
A post on its website explains about the decision to axe the POD service. It reads: "The Prescription Ordering Direct service will be closing at the end of March 2024.
"Further guidance and information will be added to this website, and your GP practice will contact you in due course. Whilst the POD service continues to operate as normal until then, there may be delays in the usual turnaround times for repeat prescriptions.
"Please DO NOT contact your GP practice. You will be contacted directly in the next one-two months.
"In preparation for the closure of the service, we would urge those who haven’t already to sign up for the NHS App or Patient Access App. These apps allows you to access a range of NHS services, including ordering repeat prescriptions and nominating a pharmacy you would like to collect them from.
"It’s simple to use and will allow you to continue ordering your prescriptions online. You can download the NHS App to your mobile device via the App Store or Google Play.
"For more information on the NHS or Patient Access Apps, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/ or https://www.patientaccess.com/" CoventryLive has contacted the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) over the decision to stop the service.