Healthwatch Dorset wants to know how you use your local pharmacy, and whether you have experienced difficulties recently getting the care you need.
They will use your feedback to identify common concerns and challenges and to make recommendations to NHS Dorset for improvements to local services.
Louise Bate, Healthwatch Dorset Manager, explained why your feedback matters: “Local pharmacies are a vital part of our primary care service. People rely on them for essential prescription medication, and they are often the first place we go for advice and treatment when we develop symptoms of ill health or experience minor injuries.
“We’ve heard from over 700 people so far, so we know that Dorset residents are finding it difficult to get some medications, and there are concerns about pharmacy closures, opening hours and prescription costs. We want to gather a diverse range of views from across Dorset, including from more younger people, so do please get involved to help improve local pharmacy services.”
Dorset resident, Jamie, told Healthwatch Dorset about the problems he has getting his medication from his local pharmacy and how this affects his health: “My ADHD medication is often not available and hasn’t been for over two years. The pharmacists don’t even seem to know why… they always say it will be next week. I’m reluctant to start taking the medication because of the ongoing shortages – it’s so sporadic as to when it is available and once you start taking it you have to carry on. Without medication, I have to deal with the symptoms of ADHD which can be pretty severe. There are times when I feel very agitated and frustrated and the medication calms that down; without it I’m not very good at focusing on tasks and getting them started or finished.”
How to share your views – by 31 October 2024
- Complete a short, confidential online survey [now closed]
- Call Freephone 0300 111 0102 to share your views over the phone, or to request the survey in another format or language.
Healthwatch Dorset will report on their findings later in the year, but you can keep up to date with their work through their monthly newsletter: sign up here