A PENSIONER who suffers from asthma fears that other people her age in need of coronavirus advice or other help during the lockdown have been forgotten.

The 76-year-old, who did not wish to give her name, told the Adver that her husband went to their GP to collect a repeat prescription but was turned away and told to do it online.

The couple have been very wary of using computers since they fell victim to identity theft fraudsters a few years ago.

They are part of the group which is most at-risk during the pandemic and are concerned about other vulnerable people not being able to access support.

She said: “Everybody assumes that everyone else is on the internet but because of that assumption, I’m worried that people who aren’t can’t get their medication or other help they need during this crisis.

“Luckily I have a family to help me – a good husband to help look after me and a son who sorted the prescription out for us, so we’re coping.

“I’m not worried about us, I’m worried about people who can’t go out and don’t have family nearby.

"They’ll be forgotten, because all I’ve seen on information about this situation is ‘go online’, which is annoying and doesn’t make sense.”

A spokesman for the regional Clinical Commissioning Group that covers Swindon and Wiltshire said that the prescription ordering service is able to take prescription requests by phone on 01793 683755.

He said: “Patients whose practices are not part of the scheme should still arrange their prescription in the usual way. If this means visiting the practice in person, then family members are encouraged to help out.

"If this is not possible, people should seek assistance through Swindon Borough Council’s emergency help scheme which has been set up to help people with everyday tasks like shopping and collecting prescriptions.”

The scheme is for vulnerable people who are shielding or self-isolating.

Prescriptions can be picked up and delivered to you by staff and volunteers for free, and food can be dropped off either for free or, if you can afford it, a fee ranging from £6.50 to £30.

Call 01793 405500 from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.