Prescription Direction
There has been increased reports of prescriptions being directed to pharmacies. “Prescription direction” occurs where a patient is directed by their GP practice to a certain pharmacy to have their prescription dispensed. Prescription direction undermines a patient’s right to have a free choice between any community pharmacy, and damages trust and cooperation between healthcare professionals.
Prescription direction should not take place. Patients are entitled to take decisions about where they want their prescriptions to be dispensed; therefore, if a patient prefers to use a particular pharmacy, the NHS Constitution requires that this preference is respected.
Resources
How to manage complaints about script direction
Complaint form A5 booklet reversed
Further information about prescription direction can be found here