Difficulties Obtaining Prescription Medications

Three or so years ago, my pharmacy advised me they could no longer deliver my medications (meds). Housemate took over by going to collect them. It was hit and miss whether they would all be ready in time. So, oftentimes he would have to visit two or three times to collect the set.

During the pandemic matters deteriorated, and since the Trafford Council care-agency took over my care, the pharmacist has not once had all my prescription meds ready for my four-weekly collection.

It has not always been the fault of the pharmacist. About half the time, my G.P.’s medical-practice fails to send through the script. Remember, it is all done via computer these days - so not really any valid excuses for such dillydallying. Some of the time, the poor pharmacist has simply been unable to obtain sufficient or any supplies of certain medications. That one is partially thanks to BREXIT.

[Image description: a weekly blister-pack with daily sections for morning, midday, teatime & bedtime.]

A couple of weeks ago, housemate attempted collection. My blister-packs were not ready. He went back a second time. The former were ready, but none of my other medications. He returned a third time - on which occasion the pharmacy had been unable to obtain one of the meds from suppliers. On the fourth visit housemate finally collected the last meds.

Both housemate and myself were really brassed off. Not having pain-medication when it is needed is outrageous. So, I advised the care-agency that housemate was relinquishing this duty - which he does voluntarily - and that they needed to take it on.

Today I have been advised that, after a call from the care-agency office, all my meds will be delivered commencing in a fortnight’s time. There will be no need for anyone to be here to sign for them.

Let’s wait and see how this works out!

🤞🏻

BREXIT Blues

Normally my first post of the year is the publication of one of my poems. I am breaking that tradition this year. I am not celebrating the more than six-hundred thousand viewings of my blog either.

[Image description: on a grey background the words “Sad, sad day. #BREXIT.”]

As a blog that proudly has the word European in its name, I am compelled to lament the United Kingdom leaving our friends, allies and main trading-bloc in the European Union.

I very much suspect that this action will be seen as foolhardy in the not too distant future. I fully anticipate that we Bremainers will fight for however long it takes to rejoin the EU in the future (just as the Brexiteers have fought to exit since the day we first joined in 1972, some forty-eight years ago). I suppose we need to let the old guard die off and then the youth and young adults can assert their optimism and hope in the European project.

Please do not give up on Britain, my fellow Europeans. We may be an island, but - in spirit if no longer legally - we are still part of the continent of Europe. I hope that the day will come very soon when we can once again proudly play Ode to Joy.

[Image description: the EU flag, twelve golden stars forming a circle on a Royal blue background]

Ciao! Bis bald! ¡Hasta pronto! Au revoir!

🤓