Changes to the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service are coming

What is changing?

From Friday 29th September 2023, patients will no longer be able to order repeat prescriptions using the NHS Sussex Prescription Ordering (POD) telephone and text messaging service.

NHS Sussex identified this follows a review of the availability of these services across the whole of Sussex and aims to ensure that this level of care is provided by the most appropriate service and to address duplication with many other prescription services.

Who is affected?

The POD service currently serves people at 26 GP practices covering Brighton and Hove and the High Weald, Lewes, and Havens parts of East Sussex to order their repeat medication over the phone.

NHS Sussex have confirmed that patients who have used the POD telephone service in the last six months will be contacted directly by email, text, or letter.

Patients will be advised of the alternative methods for ordering repeat prescriptions available to them as confirmed by their individual general practice.

How will I get prescriptions now?

All general practices have systems in place to ensure all patients can order repeat prescriptions. This may include:

• Requesting a repeat prescription by filling in a form and handing it in to the reception desk at your local surgery.
• Everyone registered with a GP who is aged 13 and over can create an NHS online account to use either the NHS App or NHS website. Patients can also create an online account with their GP practice to access systems to make similar requests.
• Several practices are now developing their own telephone-based service and will be informing patients about this service.

Further support with repeat prescriptions

NHS Sussex have clarified that any patients with enquiries about repeat prescription ordering should contact their GP practice or review the information on repeat prescriptions on their practice website.

Guidance on how to order repeat prescriptions in Sussex is available here.

Tell us your experiences of local health and care services

We always want to hear the experiences of local people when they use health and care services.

You can share your experience by leaving a review on our Feedback Centre at any time and tell us how things were for you. What was good and what could be improved?

You can also share your experience or seek further support with health and care enquiries from our Information & Signposting service via:

Email: Enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk

Telephone: 0333 101 4007 Monday – Friday (10am-2pm)