How easy is it to access medication in Shropshire?
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Healthwatch Shropshire have previously published two reports highlighting people’s experiences of using pharmacy services in Shropshire.
Since April 2025 they received 34 comments. Some of these were about the Prescription Ordering Direct service which was withdrawn in November 2025. Healthwatch also heard from some Shropshire Councillors about constituents who had experienced difficulties accessing medication. The ongoing changes to primary care services and experiences people were sharing led Healthwatch Shropshire to put a call out for people across the county to get in touch to help us to understand how easy it is for people in Shropshire to access their medication.
They received 20 responses relating to medication access and pharmacy services.
- Of the 20 people who responded to the most recent call for experiences:
- 45% (9/20) said the NHS App made ordering and receiving prescriptions quick and easy.
- 20% (4/20) praised the speed and helpfulness of their local pharmacy.
- 20% (4/20) reported unacceptable waiting times for prescriptions to be processed or collected.
- 10% (2/20) described the prescribing system as confusing or inefficient.
A small number of responses described multiple pharmacy trips, stock issues and communication gaps.
People value efficient digital systems and helpful staff, but delays and system frustrations still affect a significant proportion of those trying to access their medication.