Hereford Medical Group stops prescriptions over the phone

From August 1, the medical group, which runs several surgeries in and around the city, said patients will no longer be able to request prescriptions via the phone.

The group said it was a "difficult decision" by partners, but it will ensure it can offer a "safe and efficient prescription service".

It said it was based on national guidance on safe ordering of medication, but admitted it could leave some patients facing difficulties.

Instead of ringing, patients will have to use the NHS app, an online form, by post or via pharmacies.

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The group, which runs Station, South Wye and Quay House medical centres, as well as Bobblestock and Credenhill surgeries, said it did understand the decision would be "disappointing for some patients".

It added: "We understand that a very small number of patients will not be able to request medication in the ways listed above and that they will not have a family member, carer or friend who can order on their behalf."

Anyone who was affected by the changes was encouraged to contact their surgery before August 1 to "ensure they can continue to order medication".

It comes as Boots became the first community pharmacy in the UK to deliver prescription medicines by drone.

The retailer shipped medicines from Thorney Island, near Portsmouth, to the Isle of Wight.

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It said that using the technology speeded up delivery times while being more environmentally friendly compared with traditional transportation to the island, which involves a ferry and a road vehicle.

Boots said the first drone flew from the British Army’s Baker Barracks on Thorney Island and arrived at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport on the Isle of Wight on July 4.

The medicines were then collected and transported to Boots pharmacies across the island.

It is hoped that using drone technology will one day enable doctors to make same-day delivery orders for drugs and medical equipment from anywhere in the country.

Boots said it is now assessing the feasibility of using drones for deliveries.