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COUNCILLORS are calling for proposed changes to the way in which Lloyds Pharmacy delivers its prescriptions to patients in Wotton-under-Edge to be scrapped.
Wotton Liberal Democrats councillors for Stroud District Council, Ken Tucker and George James, have blasted Lloyds for its plans which require patients to either pay for their prescription deliveries, or to order them online.
“Those using Lloyds for their prescriptions and who currently have them delivered to their homes, have received a leaflet stating that the company propose to start charging for doing so,” said Cllr Tucker.
“Although no start date is mentioned and whatever the business case for doing so, now is not the time to even consider, let alone introduce such a scheme.
“At this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, residents are struggling, particularly the elderly or infirm and to introduce this additional cost is scandalous and opportunist.”
Cllr Tucker said that the free home delivery service offered online, via ‘Echo’, does not offer a viable alternative to those without regular access to a computer or a smartphone.
“As an alternative to the ‘paid-for’ direct deliveries, residents are being offered to sign up to ‘Echo’, a free home delivery, that uses Royal Mail to deliver medication straight to your door, neighbour or carer,” said Cllr Tucker.
“However, this requires the use of a computer or a smart phone, to which many do not have access and communal computers in residential accommodations are locked away at this time.
“We have therefore written to Toby Anderson, the chief executive of Lloyds, to express our deep concerns about the introduction of this costly scheme and the current untimely introduction – at least as customers see it – of this business decision and have asked him to suspend its introduction until further discussions can be held.”
A spokesman for Lloyds said: “Like a lot of businesses, we are having to adapt our business model in order to overcome financial challenges and protect our long-term future.
“Unfortunately, it is no longer feasible to continue offering a free delivery service from our pharmacies in England, but we have several other options available.
“Customers can choose to collect their medicines in person from their local LloydsPharmacy, or nominate a family member, friend or carer to collect them on their behalf.
“Alternatively, they can sign up to Echo by LloydsPharmacy and continue to have their prescriptions delivered free of charge.
“For patients still wanting to receive home delivery, the subscription costs £30 for six months and £60 for 12 months. Unlimited people from one household can also sign up at the rate of £45 for six months and £90 for 12 months.
“Our main priority will always be making sure people have access to the medicines that they need and we would like to reassure all our patients that we will be doing everything we can to help move them on to a medicine collection or delivery option that’s suitable for them.
“We are currently in the process of speaking to every patient directly and are also sending out leaflets to all delivery customers regarding these changes.”
