Warning requests for urgent repeat prescriptions look set to spike, Leeds pharmacy
The UK’s largest online pharmacy, based in Leeds, has warned requests to NHS 111 for urgent repeat prescriptions looks set to spike.
Urgent repeat prescriptions provide an emergency supply for patients that have completely run out of their regular medication and cannot get a prescription through their GP in time.
Based on the latest NHSE statistics, around one in five enquiries now made to NHS 111 online are for urgent repeat prescriptions1, up from one in 15 just three years ago2.
So far this year, Pharmacy2U has warned it has received an average of 135,000 emergency prescriptions requests each month, spiking above 150,000 in April, May and August.
However, over the past three years, volumes have jumped 49 per cent in December, suggesting the number could hit 200,000 for the first time next month.
Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, said: The rapid growth of demand for NHS 111 online urgent repeat prescriptions is a sign that patients are embracing digital-first healthcare, but the speed and shape of that growth is concerning.
“Patients order emergency prescriptions when they can’t get a GP appointment, or forget to order in time, and both are particularly problematic at this time of year.
“Reduced opening hours, frequent bank holidays, busy festive schedules, and seasonal sicknesses all collide in a perfect storm that puts increased pressure on emergency services.
“My advice for patients is to order online and in good time; ideally at least seven to 10 days before running out.”
Contributing to this growth has been the increased popularity of the NHS app, the business has warned.
In May and June this year, the App introduced ‘Amazon style’ prescription tracking, resulting in record use of the service, and reducing pressure on phone services.