I suffered a heart attack in April 2016, and since then I have been prescribed 7 tablets which I take every day. When I need a new supply of this medication I phone my local surgery and leave the details of the items which I require on an answer machine. All was fine until a few weeks ago, when, having phoned the surgery on Sunday 12 January requesting a new supply of Ramipril, I didn't hear from the surgery until Tuesday 21st, when a secretary contacted me to request that I book an appointment for a blood test and blood pressure check. I had been due to have these procedures taken in November 2019, but I had had to cancel them due to a domestic emergency, and subsequently forgot about them over the Christmas period. I made arrangements to have the procedures carried out early next month, and to my complete astonishment, the secretary then stated that as I had now made the necessary arrangements for the tests, she would release the details of my request for the medication to the pharmacy, so that I would be able to collect the items concerned; she also stated that the doctor (GP) had signed the prescription form on Monday 13 January, but had not released the form until I had booked an appointment for the requisite tests. I understand the importance of regular blood tests and blood pressure checks, but I fail to see what right a GP has to withhold vital medication from a patient, hence the headline of this article! Has anyone else experienced this strange form of behaviour from someone who no-doubt considers themselves to be a 'health professional'.........?! I was without my medication for 10 days, and I still feel angry that a GP can just ignore my needs, when there is every avenue open to that person as regards contacting me to have the tests taken.
Medication blackmail!!!!: I suffered a... - British Heart Fou...
Medication blackmail!!!!
I can understand that you feel annoyed at this, but try to put yourself in the GP's position. You were scheduled to have a blood test in November but cancelled due to a domestic emergency, why didn't you re-book at the time you cancelled the appointment, that's what most people would do! Or did you perhaps just not attend the appointment and then forgot to remedy the situation by booking another one?
A lot of us on here are on a large number of medicines and it would be remiss of our GP to carry on doling out these medicines to us if we failed to make appointments - our conditions could change that would require the medicines to be increased/decreased or even stopped. A GP could potentially be struck off for issuing prescriptions without seeing the patient.
I'm guessing that from your user name you're in Cyprus, especially as you say you telephoned the surgery on a Sunday - I'm not aware of any surgery in the UK being open on a Sunday.
Sorry but I think if you've just joined this forum expecting people to agree with your moral indignation you might have a bit of a wait. The simple fact is your medication was not prescribed because you did not turn up for an appointment, and then just left a message on the answer phone, I would fully expect my GP to do the same - looking after my health is my responsibility
Read what I have written - I phoned an answer phone at the surgery, I didn't say that I attended the surgery! My whole point is why did the surgery take 9 days to contact me; if they consider the tests to be so important, why didn't they contact me on the day that the doctor signed the prescription? You're totally missing the point, but full marks for your geographical Mediterranean capital city knowledge........and why would I be in Cyprus?
Why did the Dr sign it If there is that much concern why not just instigate the procedure of contacting the patient but not sign the prescription.
The comment about being in Cyprus seems an invasive comment
Why on earth would it be 'invasive' to note a user name (now 'hidden') indicated a location?!
User names are user names and usually indicative on purpose of something special to the user - take yours, for example, 'Moggy' might well indicate someone who loves cats (I do - my Si-Abi is a companion, not a mere 'pet'
) - do you find my inference from your user name 'invasive'? If so, all I can say is 'Triggered, much?'.
Goodness. You seem upset. Lol. What on earth does “Triggered much” mean ?
Not upset, just wondering why you would find a reference to a user name (indicative of location) 'invasive'. Why did you find it 'invasive'?
Politely if I may say so - and no criticism of anyone on this forum ,it’s just a user name could mean all sorts ...
Exactly! Which is why when Moggy posted the comment it was invasive for Spirit of the Floyd to remark on the OP's name (which has since been 'hidden'), I was surprised into remarking on Moggy's seeming over-sensitivity in terming user name references 'invasive'. I'm still trying to work out how a user name can possibly be a point of contention.
For example, let's say 'Hidden' had written her/his user name as 'SanFranciscan' (which isn't the location Hidden used but is close to the same sort of identifying name Hidden did use) - would Spirit of the Floyd have been 'invasive' by asking/assuming SanFranciscan might possibly be posting from...San Francisco?
Of course not (obvious to the not overly-sensitive, at least).
I'm still trying to work out what could possibly be 'invasive' in remarking on a user name like the one 'Hidden' chose.
Perhaps I will change my username to “ big house big car loadsamoney!” That would infuriate everyone ( including myself)😂😂😂
Oh hey, that's a thought! Hmm. I'm liking 'HealthilyThinAndStunninglyBeautiful' - a girl can dream, can't she?
That has always been my vision of you Sunnie ☺
Ta very much, Lezzers - it's how I see you as well
I like your thinking
The power of positive thinking - it could happen (especially when I can start pushing the exercise. The beautiful part, ah well, a girl can dream, lol!)
I`m sure you`re just being modest Sunny2day.Anyone with a user name like that has to be beautiful.Oh,is that invasive?
I don't see it as invasive but rather a lovely compliment I thank you for giving.
🥳😂
Why, in those 9 days, did you not contact the surgery?
You're cross that you were without medication for a period of time but took no action yourself to rectify that?
I was started on medication for elevated blood pressure and cholesterol about three months ago. Blood tests at six weeks showed everything was good and the tests will be repeated next month with a review with the nurse. If I need to change anything I just ring in working hours and rebook. Sorry you created the problem not your GP practice.
Yes 51 like me patience is essential!!😀
Hear what you are saying, My GP practice reduce my prescription from 2 months to two weeks in order to ensure that blood pressure/ blood are taken This works for me Look like they could have explained themselves better while a sooner Dr's appointment would have avoided this post it appears.
Hi Hidden don’t take this comment as anything but helpful. But try and not get to fired up over things like this especially since you have already had an heart attack, would be in your interest to relax more just let it go for your own health. I’m sure this post has bothered you more for making it.
I order my repeat prescriptions on line but there is no way I would wait more than 3 days before chasing it up. It usually states it's accepted within 1 day and I can then go to pharmacy to collect it. We have to take responsibility for our own health and not just rely on GP.
Honestly, the GP in a skewed way was right to do so. Commissioning rules (rules there for their payment and our saftey) mean they are contractually legally obliged to see you at least annually about any medication they prescribe. Even if it is 'recommended' by a cardiologist it is prescribed by your GP and therefore your GP responsible for it. If you failed to arrange you follow up before the 1 year (or set review mark, if that was sooner) the GP was correct. Note: Reviews can be more often at the GP's discretion and often are in the first year. Your review is your responsibility.
This said- I do understand how ridiculous this rue can be in certain situations. I have a specialist stoma that the GP has never heard off. They know so little about it they actually write on my prescription "use as directed" where you would normally get a dose. However, they are still suppose to review my prescription usage annually. I tend to find in this situation they do not request to see me but some years they have. It has just deepened on the doctor responding to the request.
I always order repeat prescriptions when I open the last pack of tablets from the previous one - that means there is plenty of time for ‘hiccups’ and we don’t ever run out!
Wish I was as organised as you. My dose of one of my tablets was doubled by the Consultant so for the last two months I have gone to my chemist panicing that I only have two tablets left. They are very calming and sort it all out for me. This month it looks as though they will last until my next monthly prescription is due. My husband has never had this problem. He has even managed to get a small stock in.
I think the first thing to do is probably to calm down; getting stressed out is the last thing that any of us cardiac cases needf. "Blackmail" is really over the top in this case. Secondly those replies which say that the GP was doing his/her job and abiding by rules are entirely correct. They are designed to prevent over and under prescription and, most importantly, harm to the patient. The medication we take is potentially lethal. Lastly you call the GP's requirement that s/he checks you out before prescribing further medication is not "strange behaviour" but is just what a health professional a term you mock, should be doing. The suggestion that s/he was "ignoring your needs" seems to leaves aside the lesson that many of us have learnt over the years and that is that we are in partnership with those who care for us and need to shoulder joint responsibility for our health.
Unexpected is right I am having my patience tested to the limit waiting for my meds to be increased and hopefully the subsequent improvement in my condition. However I understand the reasoning and agree with it. You can insist on an immediate blood test at your clinic etc and ask for results next day . My golden rule to avoid problems is try and find a way around them long before they occur....
I don't understand why they left it so long before contacting you about the missed blood tests or why you didn't phone when you ran out of tablets. My surgery would phone to ask why I'd missed the test and if my tablets hadn't arrived I'd have been on the phone to them like a shot.
That is something I'm seeing recently from my GP surgery, in that I do have some limited sympathy for the OP. Whilst I do think he/she should have rebooked soon as, and should have been more proactive chasing up the prescription, I have to say lately my surgery has been less than helpful contacting me for blood tests.
I have only scraped in for cardiologist ordered bloods by accident - rang the GP on something else and as a 'Oh btw, you need to book for bloods...'. When asked when they were planning to let me know I needed to book for bloods the answer was yer basic audible shrug. grrrr
I also didn't know my GP had moved me to a recurring prescription until I went into the chemist to order (used to be a slip I had to turn in) and the chemist said no more slips, just come in every 7 weeks to pick-up the next round. I asked when that happened and she said my GP should have sent me a letter or at least telephoned. No letter, no telephone call.
Blackmail seems a bit harsh considering you failed to make an appointment to get your checks done. I do agree though that given these are heart meds some better way could have been found to deal with it!
Is anyone else on this site able to ring their closed surgery and leave a message ordering meds? If you ring our surgery you get the usual "if it's an ermergency" message or ring back when it's open etc.
Also, would someone really wait 9 days without meds? How much longer would the poster have waited if the surgery hadnt contacted him/her!!!
Is this post genuine, the poster hid him/herself after the first reply, or could it be a case of light the blue touch paper and then retire!!
Yes, I can.
Really, you can ring your surgery out of hours and leave a message ordering meds? Are you not able to order them through the on line patient facility?
Yea, I can do both. I can text them as well.
🤔 🙄
Lucky you.I have to make a personal appearance and hand in my prescription then wait 5 days before the meds are at the pharmacy.Those of you who know me a little will realize I`m frequently without medication!!!
We have a separate "prescription line" so technically I could phone and re-order at any time... if I was on any meds.
In the past I have placed the on-line re-order in the wee sma hours for my mother's repeats when insomnia took over. I did my best work when world was asleep... including heading to 24 hour supermarket on occasion!
Though I was always ahead and on it if prescription didn't appear in the usual 2-3 days at chemist.
Does the prescription line have an answerphone system? Our surgery won't take prescribtion re-orders over the phone at all.
Yes, it is only an answerphone... our receptionists are too busy being obtuse over making appointments!
We have had various systems in place over last few years... tbh unsure of current choices as I don't have a repeat prescription.
We have had...
Order at chemist, they sort with surgery.
Call answerphone (thats fun pronunciation wise).
Written slip in box in surgery or tick repeat slip from script & pop in box.
Online...
Which one worked? None... I always ended up running around minus part of order!
That's unlucky, we use the written slip in a box process and never had any issues.
But as you say, you don't know current procedures so hopefully they've improved.
That's why I asked if the poster was in Cyprus - ringing surgery on a Sunday!
Definitely one of the strangest posts I've ever read - basically it's none of their business if I don't turn up for appointments I demand my medicines! Clearly didn't like what I wrote and seems to have promptly left the building, either that or a windup!
I'm going with wind up! Probably has more than one profile & is reading the comments from afar 😂
What people will do to amuse themselves!Must lead a very boring life.
Yep, very sad! If it's not a wind up the op has a very short fuse as he took off after the first comment that disagreed with him!
It’s all been said already. But I’ll say it again. The op needs to take personal responsibility for their health. Or perhaps find a private gp who will hold their hand for them.
I order my meds online. Then check that they are approved usually after 24-48 hours and then I go to the pharmacy to pick up my medication. Any problems I contact the surgery
I always order my medication in good time. My GP gave me an extra month's supply in reserve as I would end up in hospital if I missed any of my medications.
I can also email him if necessary, he prescribed one injection my Cardiologist said I needed straight away within hours of my request.
Whose is responsible for my medication supply ....me.
I suggest you contact your GP surgery's Practice Manager and discuss your concerns with them. It may well be a problem with effective communication between all those involved in the process including yourself.
Everyone involved in the NHS, patients and professionals have a duty to behave properly, you did not. It is your fault, stop moaning about the NHS response.
I share your frustration at delaying your prescription in this way. How many GP's fail to carry out regular medication reviews with /for their patients as required? I have every sympathy with the overload our GP might face, here in the S.E it is truly desperate. A patient who is on regular and essential medication such as yours will require blood tests but it is entirely understandable given a family emergency you might miss an appointment and then it slips your mind. It happened to me and I felt awful, I am 75 and it seems busier now than when I worked! I did phone the surgery and waited over half an hour to get through but the Receptionist was very understanding and made me a new appointment just a few days later. My poor Wife once forgot an appointment and felt very embarrassed as it was for a memory test! The GP laughed along with us when we saw him so keeping a sense of humour is important but delaying your prescription is no joke too.
We keep our growing number of GP appointments and hospital appointments on a wall calendar so we can keep check but sometimes even that gets missed.
Keep well!
If you needed the medication you should have chased that up before the others ran out. If it had run out you should have rung immediately and made clear the prescription was urgent. I've found as long as you keep appointments and explain why you've cancelled and reschedule ASAP most GP's are fine. Your gp prescribes it but it is your responsibility to keep in top of it all. After all its your health at stake.
Given you'd had a heart attack I'm surprised you are so easy going with your appointments/willing to go 9 day's without a vital medication. I sure as heck wouldn't be.
If I've missed an appointment I always reschedule immediately for as soon as possible and if a prescription is due before that rescheduled appointment explain to the surgery the situation so they know to issue the prescription on the understanding I'm having another check up very soon.
No gp can prescribe medication without knowing its safe to do so.
Yes it's disgraceful.
Everyone else has given you helpful advice and encouragement. My only addition would be to ask if you are compliant with your medication?
I only ask because I personally could not go one day without my medication or my BP would be through the roof.
May I ask why you thought it would be ok to go without your medication for so long?
My tablets come mostly in boxes of 98. I make a circle in the calendar for day 88 to reorder. Perhaps you could set u reminders on your phone?
The implication is they both went about 10 days without medication and ordered when they took the last tablet. As they have gone Hidden I suspect it was just a forum "wind up"!
You are probably correct. Do these people not realise that we are dealing with life threatening illnesses, it’s a shameful thing to do.
That’s an awful tale! My surgery also insists on regular checks but if I need any of my meds then they issue them anyway. I then make an appointment and everybody is happy. I can’t believe that a GP would withhold medication, especially for a heart problem. Maybe look at changing your GP or at least try and speak to the GP in question to explain your case and hear what his/her response is.
Yeah, I started on Amiodarone in late September ‘19. I reckon my GP hadn’t really had anybody on that drug through their surgery. I received an odd letter stating (highlighted in blue) that unless I had a blood test then the GP might not prescribe certain medications.
I phoned the surgery up & queried it with the GP. We agreed it was the Amiodarone & as I knew not much about it I agreed to a test in 6 months. Given what I now know about the effect of Amiodarone on my Long QT I’m glad I’ve been taken off it. A blood test might signify a deterioration in kidney & liver function. Which then may make the GP take action against the prescription.
Without knowing the GP & hospital in your case it’s hard to say but I know you have to play a game to get both sides to play with each other.
Frankly some of those comments are a bit harsh. Empathy is needed not criticism. Yes we all know what you can 'do' about things but even this doesn't always work. Also the 'brain' being starved of oxygen doesn't always work properly either. My memory and I just didn't work properly for about 10 yrs. Medical mistakes are happening all the time. Our hospitals are full of them and they make their own on top of that !!! Please, this site is for peeps with medical problems and who knows what other medical problems they may have ? Please be kinder not 'smarter' than the next person.
I enjoyed this post. Righteous indignation is a fine thing. Good old hidden has got everybody bubbling nicely. What a grand stir of the pot.
Oh lord ! what a nonsense ! I wonder if admin could delete this whole post ? This is to stop the bickering. Your original post was a "poor little me " and you should know better. If you believed that someone from the surgery should have informed you straight away that you would not get your prescription renewed until medical checks were at least booked, I would have agreed with you at once. You say that you cancelled the first appointment and then forgot after Christmas so although these things happen you are also to blame. So to be enraged about it is disingenuous and does not serve any service to you or this forum other than we should "grow up" and take responsibility for our own actions. A quiet letter to your GP stating that, in your opinion there were several failings in their duty of care would have been more to the point.
I agree there should have been some form of contact re tests, my understanding is that the tests are there to protect your kidneys. Regular checks are given for dosage and any problem with kidney function in relation to your BP
Having read some of the answers on here I don't think I would ask any help as some of the remarks are quite hurtful, if you are struggling with health issues you need kindness not criticism.
Hi salty6, absolutely right. It was no wonder the OP became "Hidden" and stopped responding. I almost got involved in remarking on the piranha-like attack on the OP, someone eventually even suggesting they were a troll winding up the BHF forum and questioning the veracity of the original post. I may have missed the apology regarding weekend/answerphone prescription requests, but I somehow doubt it. Disgraceful.
Richard
I've just stumbled upon this thread from a few years back and boy, does it hit home! It's wild to think of the hoops you had to jump through just to get your meds. That's some serious health bureaucracy right there, and no patient should ever be left in the lurch like that.
On a side note, if you've ever dealt with a different kind of blackmail - the online kind - you might find digitalinvestigation.com/bl... to be a lifesaver. They're like the cyber equivalent of superhero squad - swooping in to save the day from online bullies and blackmailers. The situation is a real head-scratcher why the GP would delay such crucial meds over a missed appointment.
Medication 
GP Surgery changed access to get help!
Should my GP have asked for an appointment to be arranged?
Update on blood pressure medication.
Carpbait
