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Many people take medication; some people take medication for their mental health, some people for their physical health, and many people for both. The Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN) has been seeking guidance on behalf of people who take medication, particularly those that receive repeat prescriptions.
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG has been in touch with us to confirm the current recommendations, which are listed below:
- the NHS recommends that members of the public can continue to access community pharmacies as normal unless they are displaying symptoms, such as a high temperature or new continuous cough.
- if you are self-isolating and cannot access the pharmacy for repeat prescriptions, please friends and/or family for support or use https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ for advice
- the public area encouraged to order repeat prescriptions as usual, with 7-10 days of medicine remaining
The NHS is also asking the public not to stockpile medicines or ask for more medicines than they need.
“Stockpiling or purchasing medication that isn’t needed could disadvantage other patients who can’t get essential medication when they need it. There is also a bigger risk of shortages if stockpiling disrupts the normal supply chain. The NHS is ensuring pharmacists are being provided with a greater supply of paracetamol to support demand.”
IMHN will continue to share updates if the situation changes. We are now seeking guidance on behalf of those who receive short-term prescriptions (for example, people who have recently started courses of antidepressant medication).
March 20, 2020 at 12:12 pm