Survey invites Central Bedfordshire residents to share experience of 'incredibly worrying' medication shortage
Central Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats have created a survey following concerns about medication shortages.
Councillor Chris Leaman (Leighton Linslade South) is asking people to share whether they have struggled to obtain prescribed medicines from their pharmacy, how long they have waited, and what impact the shortages have had.
He says the aim is to "press for action" and build "a clearer picture" of how the issue is affecting people.
The LBO has contacted the Department of Health and Social Care for a comment.
Meanwhile, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) said that while it does "not have a direct role in issues around medicine supply", it recognises the "adverse impact" of shortages and supply chain issues.
Cllr Leaman said: “For people who rely on regular medication, being told that their pharmacy cannot get hold of it can be incredibly worrying.
“We are hearing concerns about people having to visit several pharmacies, wait for medicines to become available or go back to their GP to ask about alternatives.
"We want to understand just how widespread these problems are here in Central Bedfordshire."
Councillor Leaman and his family have first-hand experience of the problem, as he struggled to obtain ADHD medication for his teenage daughter.
After to-ing and fro-ing between doctors and pharmacies, cllr Leaman was told by a pharmacy that there was a "manufacturer supply issue".
"Then I asked [the doctor] if they could change the prescription for the new [more available] medication. But they said they couldn't do that. I thought, I'm going to be in this cycle every month," he said.
Thankfully, for cllr Leaman's family, the prescription did change after a medication review.
Cllr Leaman reflected: "It was almost a three year waiting list [for my daughter] to get diagnosed.
"For a child who takes ADHD medication, that can be a difference between a pass and a fail during exam season. The medication really helps with their concentration and being present in the room. You kind of think, those are big things, almost life impactful decisions.
"My daughter went four or five days without her medicine. In the case of ADHD, it's not life threatening, she's not in pain, she's very healthy and happy, but you do notice the difference."
The survey is open to residents across Central Bedfordshire, including people who have experienced medicine shortages themselves - and those who have faced problems obtaining medication for a family member or someone they care for.
Cllr Leaman concluded: “The more people who take part, the stronger the evidence we will have.”
The item has been tabled for discussion at the next meeting of Central Bedfordshire Council’s Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, September 7.
A GPhC spokeswoman said: “The GPhC regulates pharmacies, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in Great Britain.
"We do not have a direct role in issues around medicine supply. However, we recognise the adverse impact that shortages and supply chain issues can have on patients, the public and health and care teams.
“We know that health and care professionals are using their professional judgement and making decisions in challenging situations, balancing a range of factors.
"We expect pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to meet relevant regulatory standards in these circumstances and should always provide person-centred care.”