Stoma supplies

Pleased you got it sorted. 

In Wales Pts can't order that way. But if it works better that's great plus! 

Thank you x  

Really sorry to hear of your problem. It is not up to your GP to advise on your supplies. Your supplier should ask for the repeat prescription and the GP should just sign it off. I would change my GP

Hi Onk.not all gps work like yours.some prefer to send the prescription themselves as they like to keep an eye on what is being ordered.mine does it that way.

Kath

In Wales and the GP I worked for we would go by the recommendations of the Stoma Nurses as to what to prescribe. If no updated letter then we would contact stoma nurses directly and confirm correct order incase of any changes. 

The only issues was that companies would try to advise patients of different items to try and these sometimes would not be prescribable in Wales. These companies do it for profit, not always for patients. 

• Not all items from companies are prescibable on NHS. We have free scripts in Wales so may be different in England. 

So does mine.I have had a urostomy for 4 years and had a lot of trouble with supplies in the beginning.A very rude pharmacist phoned a couple of times it was like an interrogation into how many bags I used etc.It was a very unpleasant experience but my health centre were so unhelpful post op it was not unexpected.It is better now but I still get nervous placing an order.Love Jane 

Reading these pages it appears that the procurement method is not standard across the country. I suspect that the GP is responsible for what is prescribed - not patients or their suppliers - which is why the GP is the person to authorise the prescription. However, I doubt that GPs (and their staff) are particularly up to date with the needs of stoma patients where our requirements can vary for a number of reasons. In my case the stoma nurse at the hospital made recommendations on my requirements and they were adopted by the authorities without question. Since discharge my requirements have changed to overcome some issues and the nurse suggested the changes in the interests of her patient. Again, the changes were adopted without question and I order my stoma supplies directly from the supplier, who requests my GPs prescription directly on my behalf. All done electronically. My GP responds quickly and positively and the supplies are usually delivered to my door within 48 hours or so. I am extremely grateful for this excellent service and never abuse the supply system by over-stockpiling as it works so well. I guess it is the luck of the draw and it is awful to read accounts of patients being treated like beggars (not customers) by people who should learn their subject before making stupid and insulting statements to patients who are entitled to good service. Try telling a pharmacist that he/she may only use four sheets of toilet tissue a week!!

Yes everywhere seems to have a different system.I have never had a problem in 4 yrs asking my gp to change a prescription eg from flat to convex bags.so I suppose Im lucky compared with some people on here.

Kath