Calls to change repeat prescription system

A Guernsey deputy has called for the way medication is prescribed in the island to be changed.

In a rule 14 question to Health and Social Care (HSC), deputy Andy Cameron asked why the committee had not implemented a "pharmacist-led" repeat prescription system.

Student Isabel Pontin, who needs medication to treat Crohn's disease, said the system was a "hassle" and difficult to afford.

Responding to Deputy Cameron's question, HSC said: "The committee has previously considered and supported recommendations to further explore changes which might benefit patients with regards to repeat prescriptions."

At present, patients on long term medication in Guernsey must get a new prescription by visiting their GP every six months, at an average cost of £70.50 per appointment.

In the UK prescriptions can be sent electronically through the NHS App, without the need for a doctor's appointment.

Deputy Cameron claimed the need to see a doctor for a repeat prescription was costing islanders millions of pounds a year.

"If we look at the UK, 43% of the population are on repeat prescriptions," he said.

"If we transfer that over to Guernsey, at £70 per appointment every three months that roughly equates to £8m going into GP practices, rather than staying in the public's pockets."

Miss Pontin is a student at university in the UK but, due to issues transferring her care, she still collects her prescriptions from Guernsey.

She said: "As a uni student, it is not something you budget for and it wasn't something when I got diagnosed, that I thought I would have to budget for.

"With this treatment I am okay most of the time, so it's just a small chat to get a prescription which I don't think you should have to pay 70 quid for."

Deputy Cameron said people he had spoken to were "extremely annoyed" about the system.

He said: "It's an inefficient use of their time, a pharmacy would be much better suited to issue these prescriptions."

GP fees rose earlier this month, with one medical group telling the BBC that inflation, medical insurance and staff expenses had all contributed to the hike.

Deputy Cameron said it would be "morally wrong" if surgeries were using the money from prescription appointments to "bolster them up".

In a response to Cameron, the HSC committee said: "Some provisional scoping has been undertaken but the substantive policy, contractual and legislative changes required to facilitate such changes, and the associated funding, will be explored as part of the strategic portfolio for sustainable health and care in the Government Work Plan 2025-29.

"The committee remains supportive of primary care and pharmacy reform, which could see an expansion of services provided by community pharmacies."

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