Scrapped prescription service angers Swindon pensioners

The local POD prescription ordering service allows scores of residents to order medication via conventional methods like telephone or email. 

But the Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSWICB) confirmed earlier this month that the service will be coming to an end.

Dave Tapliss has lived in Swindon with his wife for 70 years and relies on the POD service to receive his prescriptions.

A lifeline prescription delivery service is set to end in Swindon Wiltshire. (Image: Getty)

“I am very angry because it is the only way of getting my prescriptions as otherwise I would have to be queuing up in the doctor’s office all day and they are too busy as it is,” he said.

“I have so many prescriptions I have lost count including bones and sleep and I have had five operations on my hips.

“My wife also uses the service as she struggles with walking but is also having to look after me.

“Without the prescriptions, we’ve had it and been left on the scrap heap but they don’t care or give a tuppence.”

The 89-year-old served in the army, stationed in the Suez and even survived a mortar explosion which hit his body in several places.

He has been left saddened by the scrapping of the service and feels left in the dark about what the future holds.

Dave and his wife are fearful for the future. (Image: Getty)

“It is really upsetting as there is not only me but loads of people dependent on it,” said Dave.

“We can’t get our prescription without the POD service as I am dependent on it so whoever is closing it down must be out of their mind.

“I haven’t been told what the alternative will be and even the doctors do not know what is going to happen.”

Dr Amanda Webb, chief medical officer at BSWICB, said: “We recognise that POD is a popular and well-valued function to a number of our patients, and the decision to close has not been taken lightly.

“When we look at our region as a whole, only 25 of our 88 GP practices are linked up with POD, which means patients at the other 63 surgeries do not have access, and order medicines either through their practice or via the NHS App.

“This level of inequity is unsustainable, especially as all GP practices receive funding to provide repeat prescribing to their respective patients in-house.”

The ICB added that patients will still be able to access POD as usual for the time being, and will be able to order prescriptions through their GP practice once the service has closed.