Did you know you can order your repeat prescriptions using the NHS App or website? For more information go to: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/
POD Closure Announcement
The Prescription Ordering Direct service will be closing at the end of June 2024, with online ordering closing mid-April. Further guidance and information will be added to this website, and your GP practice will contact you in due course. Please DO NOT contact your GP practice, you will be contacted directly in the next few weeks. Continue to place your prescription order as you have been doing until you are contacted. Whilst the POD service continues to operate until the end of June, there may be delays in the usual turnaround times for repeat prescriptions.
In preparation for the closure of the service, we would urge those who haven’t already to sign up for the NHS App or Online access to your GP practice (SystmOnline/Airmid). These apps allow you to access a range of NHS services, including ordering repeat prescriptions and nominating a pharmacy you would like to collect them from. It’s simple to use and will allow you to continue ordering your prescriptions online.
You can download the NHS App to your mobile device via the App Store or Google Play. For more information on the NHS App, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
Prior to the closure of the POD service the turnaround times for repeat prescriptions may be delayed. Please try to ensure that you have the recommended 7-10 days’ worth of medication left when placing your online order to allow for this.
FAQs – POD Closure Announcement
Is my GP Practice using POD?
NHS Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) allows patients to easily order repeat medications over the phone or online.
There are currently 15 practices using POD in Great Yarmouth and Waveney and 2 in West Norfolk. If your practice is not listed below please order your prescriptions using the methods your practice uses.
You can view the practices currently using the POD service by clicking on the boxes below:
Order using POD
Call: 01502 718615 (Great Yarmouth and Waveney) or 01553 605728 (West Norfolk). Calls are charged at standard UK rates.
Lines are open 8.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Mondays are the busiest day, if you can call later in the week you are likely to have a shorter wait time. POD phone lines are usually quietest on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.
POD Service – Frequently Asked Questions
Healthwatch Consultation Outcome
In October 2023 the ICB launched a survey for people to have their say on proposals to close the POD service. The ICB asked service users, their families and carers how they might be impacted if the POD service were to close, and what support they might need in the future.
The survey was available in local pharmacies, GP surgeries, libraries, printed in local newspapers, and available online and by phone. ICB staff were also consulted on the proposals over the summer. In total, 2,746 responses to the survey were shared with Healthwatch Suffolk, who produced a report to inform the ICB’s decision making.
Key themes can be found in the Healthwatch Suffolk report here or read more here.