Dr Who?

How do you propose we find (let alone tell you) what the number is when you haven't told us where this surgery is? 

Do you think this forum is made up of psychics? 

if you telephone the 01766770304 number you are advised this is no longer available and should telephone 08704609660.
receptionist informs me they will not accept repeat prescription request via fax. so it looks like we in Gwynedd are stuck with paying high call fees.

Gosh, not accepting repeat prescription requests by fax, but accepting them by telephone is opening up a huge can of worms for that surgery! 

When I was a Practice Manager at Surgery, we NEVER took requests over the phone - open to all sorts of problems with mis hearing/mis spelling, patient accusing the receptionist of not writing down what was said correctly etc.    Whereas a fax copy of the repeat prescription request, or a signed letter from the patient put the onus on the patient, not the surgery (as long as the fax came through ok!).

I would put this argument to the Practice Manager - they may go away and think it through a bit more!

DaveM, it is actually more secure to get the pre printed repeat prescription request form or a faxed copy of it, or even a letterheaded request and signature.  You never can be sure who is actually speaking to you on the telephone - it is very easy for a family member to phone up and pretend to be asking for a repeat prescription as a way of finding out if that person is on certain medication.  They only have to play the 'I can't remember what it is called, but will remember it if you read out the names....' card and patient confidentiality is totally lost.  Believe me, some people can and are so devious.

By having the printed name and adddress, and in the case of the pre printed prescription request form the computer ID and  the printed name of the medication, the receptionist is able to check that the request is genuine, that the medication is actually due and whether there is a medication review due before the next prescription can be issued.

I understood the Government had condemned Doctors use of 0870 numbers and ordered them to use proper geographic numbers again.

If you ring you local NHS Primary Care Trust I am sure that they will provide the number. You want to make an official complaint  to them at the same time about the 0870 number.

Ours provide a leaflet listing the proper phone numbers of all Doctors, Dentists, Opticians, Pharmacists and Hospitals in their area.

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Have a look at the 'Hot Topics' thread in the Geographical Chat section, I've linked to some threads on this subject.