A Guernsey deputy has called for a change in the way medication is prescribed on the island, proposing a pharmacist-led repeat prescription system. The current system requires patients to visit their GP every six months for a new prescription, costing an average of £70.50 per appointment. This contrasts with the UK, where prescriptions can be sent electronically through the NHS App. Deputy Andy Cameron argues that the current system is costing islanders millions of pounds annually and proposes a more efficient and cost-effective alternative.
A Guernsey deputy has called for a change in the way medication is prescribed on the island. Deputy Andy Cameron, in a Rule 14 question to the Health and Social Care (HSC) committee, inquired about the lack of a 'pharmacist-led' repeat prescription system. Student Isabel Pontin, who requires medication for Crohn's disease, described the current system as a 'hassle' and financially burdensome.
In response to Deputy Cameron's question, HSC stated that the committee had previously considered and supported recommendations to explore changes that could benefit patients regarding repeat prescriptions. Currently, patients in Guernsey who require long-term medication must obtain a new prescription by visiting their GP every six months, at an average cost of £70.50 per appointment. This contrasts with the UK, where prescriptions can be electronically sent through the NHS App, eliminating the need for a doctor's appointment. Deputy Cameron argued that the requirement to see a doctor for a repeat prescription is costing islanders millions of pounds annually. He estimated that if extrapolated to Guernsey, at £70 per appointment every three months, approximately £8 million is directed towards GP practices instead of remaining within the public's resources. Miss Pontin, a university student in the UK, still collects her prescriptions from Guernsey due to challenges transferring her care. She shared that as a student, these costs are not easily factored into a budget and were unforeseen when she was diagnosed. She emphasized that her treatment generally keeps her well, making a brief appointment for a prescription seem unnecessary and excessively costly. Deputy Cameron conveyed that individuals he had spoken with expressed 'extreme annoyance' about the system, finding it an inefficient use of their time. He proposed that pharmacies would be more suitable for issuing these prescriptions. The HSC committee acknowledged that some preliminary scoping has been done but emphasized that substantial policy, contractual, and legislative changes, along with the necessary funding, will be explored as part of the strategic portfolio for sustainable health and care in the Government Work Plan 2025-29. They reiterated their support for primary care and pharmacy reform, which could lead to an expansion of services provided by community pharmacies
Guernsey Medication Prescription Pharmacist GP Healthcare Cost NHS
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