The Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service which was available in some parts of Kent and Medway closed on 31 January 2022.
During 2021, more than 1,000 people took part in a survey that asked why people use the POD telephone service rather than an online app for repeat prescriptions. People were also asked if they had access to digital technology and whether they would be happy to switch over to an online ordering system if it was accessible to them.
People who used the POD service also received information about the proposed closure on the Healthera app, via repeat prescription slips, or received leaflets available at pharmacies. Surgeries shared information about this via text, their website and phone lines with an additional recording about this information on the POD telephone lines.
Kent and Medway CCG invited patients to download and use the NHS app, a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on a smartphone, tablet or through the internet browser of a desktop computer or laptop. Patients can use the NHS app to get health advice, book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view GP health record and more. For more information go to www.nhs.uk/nhsapp
Please note that patients that do not have access to online services have beencontacted by their surgery to make alternative arrangements to order repeat prescriptions.
For the latest guidance on how to order your repeat prescriptions by listed surgery, please visit this page.
How we considered public voice:
In May 2021, the CCG’s Finance and Performance Committee was presented with a paper outlining the proposed next steps for the prescription ordering direct service and approved the recommendations. This is documented in the: governing body papers: May 2021, page 178.
The Finance and Performance Committee remit: “is to review and agree financial, corporate and commissioned service performance deliverables of the CCG against statutory and mandatory financial requirements, the NHS Constitution, the NHS Long Term Plan and annual commissioning and operational delivery plans, including financial recovery plans.” and the Terms of Reference can be found here.