"GP practice"

I am extremely frustrated by my GP practice. I have been prescribed strong analgesia for over a decade now for chronic back and hip problems. On numerous occasions I have gone to collect my prescription and there’s nothing there for me. It is usually sorted within a day or two, but thats 1-2 days with no medication which you should not suddenly withdraw from. 

During covid, it has become even harder to collect a prescription while also working for the NHS on the frontline. Doing shifts makes going to the pharmacy difficult and more time consuming considering queues. This is something we all just have to accept and be considerate about. Last month I ordered my prescription 6 days prior to when I would run out.  I waited purposely until the last day, knowing how busy GP practice’s are and pharmacists are. I got there to discover no prescription. This left me with no medication for the next day. I had to take a day off work as I struggle to walk due to the pain. 

This month I ordered my prescription 8 days early, worried I may end up in the same situation if a problem arose. I waited until the day before I had none only to discover it had not been done again! On enquiry as to why, I was told it was because I ordered it too early this time and there is also a note saying my prescription needs reviewed! I completely understand the need for review, however I dont understand how a patient is supposed to be aware of this , or that its going to leave me without any analgesic until its too late. 

This is utterly disgraceful! I purposely try not to bother my GP practice as I know how busy they are. Im not sure how ones deals with a situation where appointments are scarce, yet if I dont get one I am left in severe pain. I appreciate reasons why reviews need done, but surely the patient should be made aware a review is needed! 

This has happened to me so many times, even pre -covid & I never do anything because I work in the NHS and completely understand the pressures. But this is just outrageous! I am extremely angry and upset as I go out my way to try and think of the GP practice and the pharmacy, only to find myself suffering.