"Repeat prescription issues"

I am appalled at the repeat prescription service regarding Sulfasalazine which I have been taking for around 10 years!

This was initially prescribed by Leighton hospital Rheumatology department, alongside Methotrexate which continues to be prescribed by them & bloods monitored by them also. In 2018 my Methotrexate was reduced for a period due to low Neutrophil count, & more frequent bloods & close monitoring was required. This is now satisfactory & the Methotrexate is being increased back to my normal dosage. The Sulfasalazine however, has never been interrupted or changed during this period, it has stayed the same.

The problems I get from this surgery are: - Every single time I need my prescription monthly, the surgery bother and hound me for bloods or they refuse to prescribe sulfasalazine. The surgery should contact Leighton hospital if they have any concerns about prescribing Sulfasalazine, instead of hounding me! I will not have extra blood tests when there is no need as Leighton are doing them often. Also, even before the Neutrophil problem, when my bloods were OK, this issue was still occurring from this surgery, when I had already seen a GP about it earlier in 2018 about this & that GP agreed there was no need for frequent blood tests for the sulfasalazine as stated by NICE Guidelines for monitoring of Sulfasalazine.

Also, previously, my consultant Rheumatologist at Leighton hospital has stated this by letter to the surgery. However, The surgery constantly refusing to prescribe SFZ every month and despite numerous discussions to a GP at the surgery either from myself & via my mental health support worker etc the stress of all this is having a huge effect on my Mental health! So much so that unless Leighton will prescribe it instead then I am going to refuse to take it anymore because I just cannot continue with the frequent ongoing battles I face from this surgery.

Just when I think its been explained & sorted by Leighton telling the surgery how it is, it continues on & on & on & I just can't take it anymore! I left Bridgewater surgery some years ago because of other problems that had occurred and since the merge of surgeries in Whitchurch to the Churchmere medical group, problems are occurring yet again & unfortunately, I cannot leave this practice due to the merge. I am extremely unhappy with the service because of the issue explained. A GP should do prescribing & not a Pharmacist.