Got on the supermarket priority list for vulnerable people

[MPort]

I have been reading your comments over last week's on how to get on the supermarket lists. I followed advice and registered on government website. I phoned my GP practice and they sent a letter. I phoned Sainsbury's 3 weeks ago and went through their automated system. And nothing happened. I repeated all thus. I then downloaded the NHS App and got that active. This was an interesting experience but that is a different topic. So I felt I had done everything to make sure my info was in the system. But still nothing.

Then on one of my daily walks I wondered if the GP surgery had to do some thing more. I rang them yesterday. And yes they had. And this is the point of this email. The Secretary said she had to email the doctor and ask if I should have a code on my file that would alert government records and then supermarkets would pick this up. She would now do this. I asked her was it not logical to assume that if GP had sent out the vulnerable letter they would automatically put this code on. The long reply can be summarised as they don't know what is going on.

Anyway to my amazement and relief I had an email from Tesco last night saying I had priority status. I feel I am one step closer to reducing the stress of trying to get food.

Interestingly my sister, who also comes into vulnerable catagory, registered with government at same time as I did. She automatically received her GP vulnerable letter and was on supermarket list within days.

So I share this so you can see where your application may have got stalled. And good luck.

Mairead

[MCW22]

I'm going to get back on to my Gp surgery first thing on Monday as I truly think this is where mine has all gone wrong. I spoke with my gp on the phone, he said there was nothing on my records that flagged me up as vulnerable, I told him my consultant said I should be but it wasn't down to the consultant it was down to the gp to make sure I was on the list. Whilst on the phone the gp was tapping away on the computer and couldn't get a code, he presumed it was because my medication ruxolitinib came from hospital and wasn't prescribed by the surgery. He finished the call by saying he would get the IT guy to see what he could do. I've heard nothing since. I registered again on government website still nothing.

Carol

[EleanorPV in reply to MCW22]

Yes I believe many GP's, across the uk, have not been given enough information from the government.

[MPort in reply to MCW22]

Hi Carol,

It is so frustrating. I think it is such a widespread information gathering exercise that no one takes responsibility, they think everyone else is doing it. My sister's medication is dispensed by the hospital yet her gp practice put her on the supermarket priority slot system 2 weeks ago.I think our MPNS and their medications are outside gp practice knowledge. They get the letters after each hospital consultation and file them. I have no gp just a practice. If I had a named gp maybe he would be better informed and proactive. I think this pandemic has highlighted major gaps in the health care system. And I believe we can only win when we think and act for them.

I wish you success in getting priority and then a slot.

Mairead

[EleanorPV in reply to MPort]

Thanks for sharing this inforamtion. I too have come to the same conclusion. I'm lucky i have a well informed GP, I'm his secons MPN patient in 30 years. I've been told the system for registering shielding patients is a mess. I feel at the moment nobody is trying to fix it. I will carry on highlighting this to people in power but I fear our voices are not being heard.

[MCW22 in reply to MPort]

You hit the nail on the head with everyone saying it's not their responsibility. It definitely is the GPS responsibility. I've sent the practice a message so hopefully it will be dealt with tomorrow.

Carol

[MCW22 in reply to MCW22]

UPDATE within hours of getting on to my Gp surgery again, this time in writing, they called me admitting I had fallen through the cracks and am now on the vulnerable list. Shortly after that I was finally able to get a supermarket delivery slot. The stress is finally over and I can relax.

Carol

[MPort in reply to MCW22]

Hi Carol

That's wonderful news what a relief to finally get that delivery slot..

I had a big surprise today. I received the grocery box from the government. I was very surprised. But to get the delivery slot I had to tick the box for couldn't go shopping. This triggered the government box delivery. I am embarrassed as now I have the delivery slot I have enough food and am fine. I don't need it and it could go to someone more deserving. I heard that I should have been phoned to ask if I needed it but I hadn't. I hope they call before the next one. You might have a similar experience.

Mairead