New protocol will improve access to medicines

The Medical Director of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex, Dr Andrew Kelso, has said the government’s new protocol, which allows doctors and pharmacists to prescribe alternative forms of penicillin to patients who have strep A infections, will improve access to medicines.

The move was introduced this week and followed a rise in demand for these medicines because of an out-of-season increase in Strep A illnesses.

Health leaders say when patients take prescriptions to pharmacists it is a legal requirement for them to supply the exact medicine on the forms.

If the medicines are not available, a new prescription must be issued by a doctor before a supply can be made by the pharmacy.

Due to the high demand on medicines cause by the Strep A infections, some pharmacists have not been able to give patients the medicine they have been prescribed.

Dr Andrew Kelso said: “These new protocols have been developed by senior, specialist doctors and pharmacists, with input from national experts with patient safety a top priority.

“These measures will provide greater levels of access to medicine that will treat their illness and it will also reduce the risk of greater transmission of Strep A.”

“It will also mean patients do not now have to return to their GPs for a new prescription.

“This will assist both the patient and clinician while there is a high demand on medicine or treatment at this time.”

Tania Farrow Chief Officer, Suffolk Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: “Under these arrangements, community pharmacists can supply a suitable named medicine in accordance with a protocol without needing a new prescription or needing to contact the prescriber.

“The patient, or their guardian/carer has to consent to this.

“Pharmacists can use their professional judgement to decide whether it is appropriate to make a supply to patients in accordance with the protocol.”

Karen Samuelsmith, Chief Officer, Essex Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: “If there are any concerns, or if the patients does not consent to this, then the patient may be referred back to their prescriber to seek an alternative.

“This will ensure that the antibiotics that are available can be supplied to patients in a timely manner and will free up GP practice time to support patient care.”

Strep A symptoms include flu-like symptoms – a sore throat, headache, fever, and muscle aches.

If there is also a rash that feels rough like sandpaper, it could be scarlet fever – which needs antibiotics.

Please visit www.111.nhs.uk for further information.

If you are concerned about symptoms, please visit your GP.