Frome Surgery's Prescription Revolution: A £280,000 Savings Story
By
West of England Health Correspondent
A groundbreaking initiative at Frome Medical Centre in Somerset has led to a remarkable £280,000 savings in just one year. The secret lies in transforming the way repeat prescriptions are managed, cutting down on unnecessary medication waste.
The doctors at Frome Medical Centre took a bold step to review and streamline the prescription process, resulting in a significant reduction of 22,000 items annually. This simple yet effective approach not only saves money but also promotes better health and environmental sustainability.
One of the key innovations introduced was the 'proxy access' feature on the NHS App. This groundbreaking feature allows caregivers, rather than pharmacies, to order repeat prescriptions on behalf of their loved ones. GP Neha Bhagi highlights the app's ability to provide doctors with greater control and scrutiny over prescriptions, ensuring patients receive exactly what they need.
The app's impact extends beyond convenience. It empowers patients to access their own and their loved ones' GP records, enabling them to order prescriptions, book appointments, and view parts of their medical history. This level of control and transparency is a game-changer in patient care.
Frome Medical Centre is also actively promoting Somerset's 'Show me your meds' campaign, which encourages patients to return unused medicines. This initiative not only reduces waste but also fosters a sense of community responsibility towards the environment.
The practice's efforts have led to a substantial reduction in overprescribing, resulting in a remarkable 122 tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved. This is equivalent to the emissions from driving 301,980 miles (485,989 km), showcasing the environmental benefits of this initiative.
Former NHS biochemist Marion Gore, now 103 and a resident of Frome, praises the app's role in ensuring she only takes the necessary medications. She appreciates the app's efficiency and waste reduction, drawing from her experience in the healthcare industry.
The practice also provides digital face-to-face support for patients struggling with technology, ensuring accessibility for all. This service has been utilized by 4,000 patients, with 78% of the practice's 30,000 patients now using the NHS app, surpassing the national average of 70%.
The NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board recognizes Frome Medical Centre's success in reducing inappropriate over-prescribing, benchmarking it as the highest in the country. The board highlights the financial impact, noting that pharmacies in Somerset dispense 30,000 prescription items daily, with approximately 5% going unused, resulting in a yearly waste of £5 million in the county alone.
This story serves as a testament to the power of innovative healthcare solutions, showcasing how a simple overhaul can lead to significant financial and environmental benefits. It invites readers to consider the potential for positive change in their own communities.
