Re Echo Prescription Delivery Service

I’m always having problems with my surgery’s inability to count 28 days to my next script and resulting in my running out a day or two before and having to ‘borrow’ from the pharmacy. As its advertised on this Forum, I am tempted to let Echo take it over but what happens if their delivery is late (likely because of the above problem) or it doesn’t arrive? Anybody any experience?

[shaws Administrator]

I would phone the surgery three days before prescription needed and tell them you're picking up the prescription on a particular day.

It's not good to give us more stress by giving us a prescription which is one or two days late.

[Hidden in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws and oh I wish it was that easy...I order direct on the surgery website 4 days in advance of the due date as they’ve asked me to. I write out the medication and dosage in full, the number of days needed, i.e. 28, and the due date (counting 28 days from last due date). Its late more often than not and I don’t know what more I can do. 😞

[Fruitandnutcase]

You should ask at a local chemist. They might have an arrangement with your surgery.

I use a local Boots pharmacy - it’s a tiny little branch so hopefully it will survive the cut backs! - anyway, they keep my prescription, I fill in for what I want and they apply for it on my behalf in plenty of time then I get a text to say it is ready for me.

The assistant tells me a date 28 days ahead and asks if that if fine for me, if it isn’t I name an earlier date or if I need a double amount because I’m going to be away in 28 days and they arrange it for then. They also remind me if there is a public holiday coming up and allow for that too.

So I don’t ever really have anything to do with my surgery and somehow it all works out ok. If I forget to order something then I order online from my surgery and it gets delivered to Boots next door electronically- I can change my collection point if I want to.

[Hidden]

Hello, I use Echo, if you register with them the app sends you a reminder 2 weeks before your prescription is due, you press request prescription and its taken care of from there, they keep you up to date with the progress via the app. I've used it for a few months now (during lockdown) and never had an issue, it's a really good service and you don't have to deal with your surgery. I've never run out of meds since using this service, other service providers are available 😁

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks a lot that’s very helpful😊

[Ellie-Louise]

I started used Echo for the first time 3 weeks ago.

I had many questions about the process first and the man who answered them was very friendly, he also asked how many tablets I had left before I needed my order and assured me that a new order would arrive on time so not to worry and basically did everything he could to put my mind at rest.

The delivery did arrive in good time.

[Hidden in reply to Ellie-Louise]

That’s very reassuring thankyou! Did you ring them ? The Echo advert on this site is just a signup option I think?

[Ellie-Louise in reply to Hidden]

No I did it online and spoke to him via emails.

I downloaded the Echo app onto my iPad so it’s there for next time I need to order.

[Hidden in reply to Ellie-Louise]

Gotcha! Will do same. Many thanks.

[NWA6]

I got some none prescription Levo bought privately for not that much so now I’m always 2mths ahead. This also helped when I wanted to increase Levo without having to go back to the GP who now won’t get involved in my treatment since I went private , stating that they are not now qualified to assist me 😩

[Hidden in reply to NWA6]

Thanks for the tip - I’ve never heard of that NHS ‘rule’ - is the doc being bloody minded because she can’t dictate or discuss why you felt you needed to do it? Going on this website alone I expect many of us weren’t clapping for our ‘caring’ family doctor! I always gave a clap for the Admins on this site who listen to us and patiently answer the same questions over and over with lots of feedback, info and advice. They’ve helped me far more than my doctor who I always feel views me as a pain!

[NWA6 in reply to Hidden]

My relationship with my GP’s has always been precarious. When I was first alerted to my thyroid the doc said that at some point I’ll need medication but that I wasn’t yet in that catergory. I was on my knees at that point, going to bed at 6pm and leaving my 5yr old ‘in charge’ of her 3 younger siblings, the 1yr old didn’t sleep during the day so luckily I was able to bring him to bed with me at that time. The others had to fend for themselves for half an hour before hubby got home. I couldn’t even get up in the mornings and they feed themselves. It was horrendous. This happened time and again over the next 10yrs, no hypo has been as bad as that first experience but every hypo has had a huge impact on my family.

Finally through this site I found a private Endo. He gave me T3 and so now my GP has a good excuse to never deal with me again.

I was that mother who cried, screamed and begged for help. It loooked like I had mental health issues. If I interacted with me back then I’d worry for the kids but nope, no one was interested. As far as I’m concerned my GP surgery is full of callous ignorant bastards who broke their Hippocratic oath every single time because they lack the knowledge and education needed to keep me well.

Now I’m in charge and I’m fully well. They’ve seen this and still the smug bastards tell me that what I’m doing is dangerous and so they can’t be part of my treatment. The knock in affect of a poor relationship with them is that I’d be very wary to go to them about any other health concern. Covid terrifies me because I don’t think they’d give me my T3 if I was admitted. Any symtoms for any disease/condtion and I think they’ll dismiss it and say it’s probably because you’re taking T3 😩

I may be well but it’s a far from ideal situation

[Hidden in reply to NWA6]

I agree ! You have a right to NHS care which means a doctor who will LISTEN to your symptoms and discuss a treatment plan - albeit part private healthcare. How many execs are on that and continue to see the family doctor too? The profession has slowly evolved over the years and it’s now full of people who refuse to consider they may not know best, who probably know less than you about thyroid disease, and rely heavily on a ‘one size fits all’ computer diagnosis. They feel they can dictate your healthcare from an astonishingly ignorant grasp of the complexities of a malfunctioning thyroid system. What sort of professional swears the Hippocratic oath and then refuses to partner you in keeping healthy? I’m glad you sorted yourself out anyway. You did right!

[tattybogle in reply to NWA6]

That should win 'Rant Of The Day' .. i don't know what the prize is though, but i do think it deserves one. xx

[Hidden in reply to tattybogle]

Nothing like a good 😤 to get the frustration out of your system🤣

[Valarian]

I use my local Boots too (like Fruitandnutcase , it's a small branch and right next to the surgery). Since I've let them take over ordering the repeats, I've had no problems.