Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) Service Closure

Posted on

 

The Primary Care Networks and their 26 Practices across North Warwickshire appreciate the concern that it's patients may have following the notification of closure for the prescription ordering direct (POD) service. We received a briefing note from the coventry and warwickshire integrated care board (ICB) to indicate that a consultation regarding closure of the POD had already taken place. The PCN's and General Practice across North Warwickshire were NOT part of this consultation. North Warwickshire PCN's formally responded to the ICB resisting the decommissioning of the service citing the downgrade in services to our patients, and the impact that this would have, we highlighted the inequalities in patient services that once again will impact our patient and practices, especially as POD usage across North Warwickshire is high when compared to our areas of the county. POD effectively handles prescription requests and for a typical GP Practice this increases the number of patients trying to get through by an average of 100 calls per day. This adversely affects our patients with complex medical needs trying to get through during the winter season and in a period of unprecedented demand on the NHS. The ICB advised that a decision would be sought on the 7th December, and the briefing note to practices was received on the 31st October 2023, with our response being sent on the 2nd November, whereafter no further response was received until the 14th December which indicated that the POD would close on the 31st March 2024 due to being no longer cost effective for the ICB to continue, and resulting in the 40 staff being made redundant. We are dismayed at this decision, and furthermore frustrated by the inability to speak on behalf of our patients and practices to try and mitigate the disruption this will inevitably cause. The timeframes are unfortunately very tight and make it difficult to get alternative arrangements in place. However, if you have further questions or complaints regarding the process then we would encourage you to contact the ICB or your local MP - Warwickshire North Primary CarePatients are advised to sign up for online services/NHS app in advance of the closure of this service on 31st March 2024 to ensure you are able to continue ordering your repeat prescriptions. For more information, please see the NHS app section of our website with the link below.

NHS App Guide & Support – Old Mill Surgery (gpsurgery.net)

Alternatively, You can also sign up for an NHS App/Online services account through the link attached below.

How to order a repeat prescription – NHS (www.nhs.uk)