Repeat Prescription Services in Sefton

Healthwatch Sefton met with 12 members of People First Merseyside, an organisation led by people with learning disabilities, to understand their experiences of accessing repeat prescription services. Members reported that changes to prescription ordering systems had reduced their independence, particularly where pharmacies could no longer order medication on their behalf. Many described difficulties understanding when and how to reorder medicines, and several relied on family members or support workers for assistance. 

A key concern was the risk of people running out of medication. Participants described occasions when they had no medicine available because they did not understand the ordering process, could not read forms, struggled with small print on packaging, or were unsure what terms such as "48 hours" meant. Some reported having to make GP appointments simply to request repeat prescriptions, while others felt anxious about managing medications independently. 

Members also raised concerns about accessibility, including difficulties remembering medication names, understanding labels, and monitoring inhalers without dose counters. Feedback highlighted a need for more accessible information and greater support from GP practices and pharmacies to ensure people with learning disabilities can manage prescriptions safely and independently. 

Healthwatch Sefton recommended improved staff training on supporting people with learning disabilities, ensuring safeguards are in place to prevent people being left without medication, using more accessible communication about prescription timescales, and exploring larger-print medication labels and other reasonable adjustments. The report also called for GP practices and commissioners to review local arrangements to ensure repeat prescription systems are accessible and inclusive.