Getting your prescriptions – your local pharmacy

Healthwatch Oxfordshire noted an increase in people telling them they were facing challenges and delays in getting prescriptions from their pharmacy. As a result, from April to June 2022 Healthwatch Oxfordshire did a survey for people in the county to share their experiences.

In total, 469 people gave their views, of which 92% said they had used a pharmacy in the previous two months. For analysis, Healthwatch Oxfordshire omitted responses from people in Eynsham that related to specific local issues there.

From the 390 responses remaining, 53% were either satisfied or very satisfied with their experience getting prescriptions, whilst 35% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. 49% said they had no problems getting their prescription, however 29% said their prescription was not ready, resulting in multiple visits or long waiting times. 18% said they had been told to ‘come back later’, often returning on multiple days. 8% said there had been no pharmacist to dispense their prescription, 8% said the pharmacy was closed, and 8% had to go elsewhere to collect their prescription.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire recommends that commissioners take note of the repots findings to inform future commissioning and planning of pharmacy services.