For the past 8 years I have had a good relationship with my doctor and nurse. I have a Asthma Action Plan which is reviewed every 3 months and have a repeat prescription for my inhalers.
Today I received a call from a receptionist who said I could no longer have a ventolin inhaler. I asked why. The reply was that another doctor to who I usually see said I do not need one. I have never seen this doctor, she does not know my medical history. I was told I needed to be seen by her on Wednesday. I said I am seeing my own doctor on Wednesday so I would discuss it with her. The receptionist then said my own doctor could not overrule her decision.
I have other medical problems. So on Wednesday at 9am I have a double appointment with my own doctor that was made 2 weeks ago. I will tell her what has happened. Then I will have to go home and then go back to the medical centre at 11.40 am to see this other doctor who I have never seen before.
I have ME and CFS and I am having a major flare up. I live in a rural location and I do not need this worry or hassle.
I have been on ventolin for 20 years, have been on nebulizers and prednisalone.
I feel this is unjust and I now have to worry till Wednesday, I am really Fed up and don't know why this is happening.
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Dready
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The immediate concern is do you have enough ventolin to see you through to when you see the doctor?
I have to admit I'm somewhat astonished by this. No GP at the practice I go to has ever refused me an asthma medication that is down as a repeat prescription. That said my husband did have medication for seasonal rhinitis refused by a receptionist and was told he would need to see a doctor, but that was because he had not needed to request any for a couple of years. Even so, the last time I requested ventolin inhalers I hadn't requested one for a good couple of years and didn't have a problem.
Thanks for the quick reply. No the doctor has been there for a year or two. I do have enough untill Wednesday. The receptionist was really abrupt with me.
I'm on the patient participation group panel and I know they are already over budget for this year and I wonder are they trying to cut costs. Their last CQC review also failed in prescribing conditions not up to standards and record keeping.
I guess I will just have to wait until Wednesday. Hope you don't mind if I keep you updated after my appointments.
I'm so glad you replied, I just had to let someone know.
If it is to do with cost cutting I'm flabberghasted they think refusing ventolin to a known asthmatic is a responsible measure they can take.
I will admit that I make a point of making sure that I know all the GPs at my medical practice. If I need to see a doctor urgently there is no guarantee I will get to see my usual GP so knowing all of them can help to reduce the risk of a misunderstanding.
It's possible the reason the receptionist was abrupt with you is because she knew the decision by that doctor was a) controversial and b) was unlikely to be received well by the patient. Given that, not wanting to linger in what might be considered 'a firing line' is perhaps understandable:-).
Please do keep me updated. I'm fascinated to know the reasoning behind this decision.
I have had a request for repeat prescription of Ventolin refused. The reason given because I hadn't requested a repeat prescription for Ventolin for over a year !! I would have thought reasons to be cheerful.
I’m stunned by that. I seldom need to use my ventolin inhaler, and always have a lot of doses left when I have to call for another due to the fact that it’s gone out of date. I’ve even been congratulated by my local surgery for spotting the expiry date and acting on it, so I rather think I’m not the only one.
If that ever happens to you again, don’t be afraid to challenge. We’re talking life saving medication here, not a packet of paracetamol!
I know. It seems awareness of the illness is sketchy at best with some health workers. The reasoning being I think is that the Qvar and Serevent which I take, should be enough to keep the asthma under control. I have lost count of the number of times that I have had to argue my case, that there will always be occasions when we need our rescue inhaler. It's called rescue inhaler for a reason, doh !!!
That is so dangerous. Serevent is a long acting reliever not a fast acting one - it’s purpose for controlling asthma is completely different to that of ventolin.
Have you ever considered reporting the health workers who are being difficult over this. Sounds to me as though some re-training is required.
Hi MaggieHP, one of the health workers who was trying to stop the repeat prescription was a GP. The other was my asthma nurse. Not a qualified asthma nurse but a nurse with an interest in asthma. Not the same thing surely. I am on my 3rd doctors surgery since moving to Cornwall 10 years ago. Before that I lived in the north west and was thoroughly spoilt by having an excellent GP who I could have a grown up conversation with regarding treatment, drugs etc. The asthma nurse was fully qualified and new more about the illness than many of the GP's in the practice, she knew about diet and some alternative therapies that could be used in conjunction with standard treatments. I think that my experiences since moving down here has just underlined the fact that the NHS is struggling with recruiting qualified specialist nurses. I am already regarded as a difficult patient because I speak up when I don't think I am being treated well. Every year they try to get me to change my medication in spite of the fact I have had no flare ups, had no hospital admissions, have not needed Drs appointments to do with asthma. Every year I have to fight to stay on the same regime because it works for me. Sometimes it gets a tad exhausting !!
That’s really worrying! I have to admit that I don’t have that problem with my GPs at the practice I attend, and these days I don’t have that problem with consultants. Mind you, it’s taken a while to get there along with telling my current doctors a few tales of what has happened in the past when doctors haven’t listened. I’ve actually seen jaws drop, heard horrified sharp intakes of breath, and actually had an apology from a doctor for the (oft repeated) mistake made when I was a child which resulted in my asthma being undiagnosed for five years over fifty years ago (and the doctor who did that wasn’t a GP or even a specialist in respiratory medicine). I almost broke down and cried when that happened.
My current practice does know I will complain or get in touch at once if I’m not happy, but then they also know that I will get in touch and make a point of thanking them or praising them sometimes. They have also known me for over twenty five years:-).
I have never heard of any gp denying anyone life saving medication and that's what it is. And one gp saying they can't write one for you and your own gp can't overwrite it well that is just rubbish. If that is your named gp or not they can do unless there is some medical reason why you couldn't but that would of been mentioned and for the receptionist to be ringing you and discussing your medical problems is wrong and a reportable complaint.
Please don't worry they can't deny you an inhaler we know how important they are and so do gp's x
I agree you have grounds for a complaint to the practice manager. Asthma kills three people every day in the UK. Denying a known asthmatic a prescribed life saving medication could result in an extremely serious medical situation. I doubt the practice manager would want to risk that happening and then having to deal with the repercussions.
No problem and I would put a complaint in to the practice manager about receptionist and the gp who denying your ventolin x sometimes we got to make waves
I have just been experiencing the same problem getting Ventolin from my GP surgery. They used to issue me 4 at a time but now seem to like to issue one at a time. I have had a couple of a bad asthma attacks in the last couple of months following chest infection, viral infection, hay fever, etc. and have been using the inhaler quite frequently. I have been questioned on what I have been doing with it by the asthma nurse and doctor. They appear to only want to prescribe one inhaler at a time. I feel quite vulnerable not having a spare as I worry it will run out. I think it must be a new policy with doctors surgeries.
I was contemplating writing a letter of complaint but as I am seeing a doctor next week I am going to bring the subject up with her and see what she says about the situation. I think it is very bad to limit medication to people with a life threatening condition. Asthma can turn from quite mild to quite aggressive in a very short space of time and can be frightening. It is no good quoting theory about how many times an inhaler should be used when we are not dealing in theory but the fact of an asthma attack.
GP practices are 1 cost cutting as medication comes out of the surgeries funding. 2 some people abuse their medication or wastage as medication can go out of date. 3 it all depends on each doctor or asthma nurse. 4 Have regular asthma reviews.
I did actually put a complaint in to the practice about how my problem was handled. After a regular clinician meeting the practice decided to overhaul the whole prescribing situation.
Any way. All I can say to you is to have 1 blue inhaler that you use in home and another blue inhaler for when you are out and about and one for a spare. The same applies for the brown, pink, purple, red inhalers.
Then at least you know their is always one available in emergencies.
Discuss this with your doctor/nurse and hopefully they will agree to this.
Hope I have tried to help you. Keep in touch and let me know how you get on😃.
I agree with you. Asthma doesn't behave in a particular way, and it is different for everyone. No matter how well controlled it is and how good we are at avoiding triggers, there is no pattern to attacks at all. We need more asthmatics to kick up a fuss about this ludicrous assertion that we don't need our rescue inhalers.
One other thing. I understand completely that this has unsettled you - in your position I'm certain I would feel the same way - but please try not to get too stressed. I know that sometimes that's easier said than done , but stress is not helpful for Asthmatics.
I also live in a rural area. Does your practice have an in house pharmacy?
Yes, the medical centre does have an in-house pharmacy. I have never had any problems with them before. They know me as I collect from them every month. As I collect my medicine they automatically put the repeat in there and then, so I always know what date to pick up my next lot and as I said before I have asthma reviews every 3 months, so I really can't see what the problem is....?
The only reason I can think of for a GP to refuse ventolin to a known asthmatic is if someone is on the Symbicort smart regime where you have one inhaler which acts as reliever and preventer.
Another GP can absolutely over rule a decision made by another doctor if they feel the decision was wrong and that a specific treatment is right for the patient. Plus you are entitled to a second opinion, so by that simple logic another doctor can disagree with their colleague over a specified treatment.
As long as you have enough medication left to tide you over until you see your GP that is good. I would wait to see what your regular GP say on the matter as they might be able to clear up the confusion over why you were refused and hopefully prescribe your medications, and you might be able to cancel the second appointment with the unknown doctor.
I have Symbicort and Ventolin. Was told I still need the ventolin. I use the Symbicort two puffs in the morning and two in the evening but can increase both to four each if I need to. Plus the ventolin.
My sister has the same inhalers and she is at a different surgery to mine. Is this a standard policy? I hope not as I am definitely still needing the ventolin though the Symbicort is helping too.
I am also on symbicort and ventolin. However, the last time I saw the nurse she talked of the SMART regime, but didn't put me on it, mainly, I suspect, as I was on such high dose of symbicort there was nowhere else I could go with it. The general idea with SMART is that you can increase your symbicort when you feel the need, as the symbicort is a reliever and a preventer in one. When I have read up about it it seems though that the idea is that you do not take ventolin, but instead take symbicort when you need a bit extra. It seems to have good outcomes. However, like you,mimdo like the idea also to have ventolin, for those moments when I am out of puff (walking up hill) but know it will get better quite quickly, rather than chest infection stuff., or more serious situations.
I have never heard such nonsense! Fuming for you 😡😡 as already stated if your own doctor prescribed it it has nothing to do with this other one. Cost cutting may be a consideration re medication but to a known asthmatic. it's ridiculous. Yes, they may invite you into review your medication and make changes during you consultation based on clinical evidence. This would be good practice. I too will be interested in how you get on. I also live in middle of nowhere and minutes can be valuable.
Did anyone else read this morning re a five yr old little girl with severe asthma and had several life threatening hospital admissions being refused her appointment with the gp because they were 4mins late. The mum had to dial 999 and little girl died few hours later in hospital! The gp got a warning and she moved to a different practice. What in gods name is the matter with these doctors.
Keep well and be safe above all else. I've ended up on antibiotics and steroids again. Remain blessed.
Sorry for such an angry response. I was so so annoyed for you. Hope you are ok.
Perhaps it could be the named brand Ventolin the doctor doesn't want to prescribe? When I switched to a new doctor last year and had a review to organise my repeat prescriptions, the doctor told me that they're not permitted to prescribe Ventolin, it has to be generic salbutamol instead (cost-saving reasons in the area), which I believe is the same thing. I'm still given actual Ventolin from my pharmacy though, but on my repeat prescription it's listed as salbutamol, perhaps so that they can interchange brands depending on whatever's cheaper. Anyway, I very much hope it's something along these lines instead of the doctor denying you an inhaler completely.
I'd be staggered if your usual GP refused to represcribe the Ventolin. As for the idea that one doctor would not overrule another, this is simply nonsense. GPs have the discretion to prescribe whatever they think appropriate in the circumstances, hence the reason you are able to get a second opinion. I think you'll be OK tomorrow - try not to worry. In the worst case scenario, you could probably buy it over the counter until someone sees sense!
Could the doctor who has - temporarily at least - declined your prescription have checked the frequency of your scripts and concluded you are taking too much Ventolin for your own good?
In other words, if the average daily dose that your frequency of scripts suggests you are taking is alarmingly high, that might be a reason for wanting to talk to you before issuing another script.
Many Thanks to everyone who sent me messages of support and kept me sane over the past 2 days.
I saw my own doctor this morning as planned. I told her straight away about the phone call from the receptionist and the other doctor refusing to give me Ventolin. I could see that she was worried as I carried on. When I finished telling her what had happened I could see she was angry.
She then apologized for what had happened. She said no receptionist or doctor is going to tell me what I can or cannot do. I am the senior partner of the practice. ( I did not even know she was the senior partner of the practice)
She then said she will give me the Ventolin inhaler and put it back on repeat.
I was in there for half an hour whilst she told me what would happen now.
An investigation will take place and I will be told that I would get feedback as it progresses.
She then cancelled my other appointment with the other doctor.
I said that I had booked this appointment two weeks ago as I am not well.
She then agreed to see me tomorrow to discuss my health.
I am so relieved that this has been sorted as I have not eaten for two days because of worrying.
Once again thank you all for your comments and support and yes we do have to stand up for ourselves and make waves.
Sometimes you have to:-). I learned that the hard way nearly thirty years ago after I was put on my first steroid inhaler (I'd been on a different inhaler - now discontinued - for many years before that). I was told my asthma was mild (which I wasn't convinced by but didn't have the confidence to challenge) and was put on the lowest dose of Becotide there was. My asthma was never fully controlled after that, but I after being told twice that it was probably down to me not using my inhalers properly I gave up. Big mistake; I ended up in hospital when an infection went really nasty and my asthma went out of control as a result. The strength of my medication was upped as a result of it.
Having been through that I learnt that sometimes it is in your best interests to query decisions made by doctors if you are convinced they have got it wrong:-).
that's great. I also have problems when I need a ventolin inhaler I get told new government rules are only 1 at a time and no more than 1 a month which is ridiculous as allowed up to 10 puffs a day according to instructions. also I have to wait 4 days for a repeat prescription and it's scary because I have mislaid my inhaler in the past and had no spare.
Hi if you run out and need a script for an inhaler urgently the practice should do it the same day you ask if it is for nebules or ventolin.
If there is a problem ask to speak to a doctor. If your doing it all the time they may wonder why your not better organised but as a emergency they should realise sometime we use our medication more often and run out quicker!
I often need to ring up and ask for emergency supplies of nebs and prednisolone, plus antibiotics at the moment too!
The nebs and inhalers are on my my repeat so I can get them issued same day if i tell them I need them urgently, the other stuff I have to wait for a call back from the gp but can normally be given as when I ring my wheeze is pretty obvious lol
They just put in the proviso about ringing the ambulance if I get any worse as I have brittle asthma so my condition can change very quickly but I try to avoid hospital wherever possible as I end up spending weeks in there whenever I'm admitted which isn't fun.
Hugs to everyone, who is struggling with their asthma at the moment because it isn't fun when we are fighting chest infections and just feeling tired from the effort of breathing sometimes! Love to all. Xxx
Whoever told you that was government rules is very mistaken December 2018 bad infection I went through one ventolin in a week GP. GP put 120 dose which is 2Ventolin/salbutamol on my repeats
So glad you have had a good outcome. But really, do we need to put up with idiots like that when we have a life threatening illness ? Your doctor sounds great and I hope she gives the other one a hard time !
HI Dready, Great to know your dilemma was resolved and the support messages helped to get you through such an anxious time. Seems more and more of us are having problems with the health system. Best of british for the future.
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