Medication Delivery feature - FAQs

Article author
Greg Pietras
  • Updated

The Medication delivery feature is currently being piloted with a number of Meddbase customers. The feature will become more widely available from January 2022. If you would like to find out more or are interested in using the functionality please do not hesitate to contact the Customer Account Management team at: accountmanagement@meddbase.com

What is the context?


The Medication Delivery feature in Meddbase allows Medical Users to make, sign and send E-Prescriptions electronically via a Pharmacy Portal to Signature Pharmacy, an online pharmacy that dispenses Meddbase prescriptions and delivers them to patients.

The Medication Delivery feature is fully compliant with the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 providing a legal, safe and efficient way to prescribe and deliver medication straight to a patient in need, mitigating the need for administrative-heavy or paper-based processes.

 

What is the purpose of the article?


The purpose of this article is to:-

1. Address Client FAQs regarding the Medication Delivery feature, incl.:-

2. Address Patient FAQs regarding the Medication Delivery feature.

 

Client FAQs


Pharmacy Service Provision


Item Question Answer
1.

Which locations are eligible for the Medication Delivery service?

Prescriptions can be delivered anywhere across the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland.

2.

What are the cut off times for same day courier delivery?

16:00 weekdays and 11:00 weekends, subject to stock availability.

3.

Which locations are eligible for the same day courier delivery service?

For prescriptions signed and paid for before 16:00 on weekdays and 11:00 on weekends medication can be sent same day within select London postcodes*.

Unfortunately, same day delivery is not available outside the listed London postcodes.  

4.

Which locations are eligible for next day delivery service?

Next day delivery is available across the United Kingdom and including the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland.

5.

Can medication be delivered to another address other than the patient’s home address?

Yes, when prescribing a new address for delivery of the medication can be selected by a clinician. This address does not need to be the patient’s home address. This delivery address will also be confirmed with the patient by Signature Pharmacy when the prescription is processed.

Signature Pharmacy will deliver the medication to the patient’s chosen address anywhere in the UK.

6.

How much will medication and delivery cost?

The cost of private prescriptions varies depending on the cost of the medication prescribed. Private prescriptions are not subsidised by the NHS and are chargeable at all pharmacies.

A competitive price is guaranteed throughout partner pharmacy Signature Pharmacy. Regardless of same-day or next-day delivery preference, prescription delivery is free of charge.

7.

What are the expected delivery time frames for Medication Delivery prescriptions?

 

Same day: Courier deliveries are made between 16:00-21:00 for orders received and paid for before 16:00 on weekdays and 11:00 on weekends.

Next day: DPD delivers 7 days a week and offers a nationwide service across England and Wales and selected areas of Scotland. Real-time tracking and access to all the usual delivery options including naming a safe place or trusted neighbour add to the convenience.

8.

Will patients receive information and instructions with their prescription?

All medication will be issued with instructions and directions as required. All patients are contacted for each prescription fulfilled by Signature Pharmacy and provided with the option to ask questions.

9.

How will payment be taken from patients?

 

Signature Pharmacy will contact the patient to arrange payment.

10.

Who do patients and clinicians contact with an issue or query about prescriptions?

 

For Meddbase help: contact Support.

For medication/delivery help: contact Signature Pharmacy via:-

*Please refer to this list of London postcodes where same-day delivery is available: E1, E2, E3, E5, E8, E9, E10, E11, E13, E14, E15, E16, E17, E20, E77, E98, SE1, SE3, SE4, SE5, SE6, SE8, SE10, SE11, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE18, SE19, SE20, SE21, SE22, SE23, SE24, SE25, SE26, SE27, SW1A, SW1E, SW1H, SW1P, SW1V, SW1W, SW1X, SW1Y, SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8, SW9, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19, SW20, W1, W2, W4, W5, W6, W8, W9, W10, W11, W12, W14, NW1, NW2, NW3, NW4, NW5, NW6, NW8, NW10, NW11, N1, N1C, N1P, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N10, N15, N16, N17, N19, N22, TW10, TW8, TW9, EC1A, EC1M, EC1N, EC1R, EC1V, EC1Y, EC2A, EC2M, EC2N, EC2P, EC2R, EC2V, EC2Y, EC3A, EC3M, EC3N, EC3R, EC3V, EC4A, EC4M, EC4N, EC4R, EC4V, EC4Y, WC1A, WC1B, WC1E, WC1H, WC1N, WC1R, WC1V, WC1X, WC2A, WC2B, WC2E, WC2H, WC2N, WC2R.

 

Meddbase Functionality


Item Question Answer
1.

How can I add a new clinician to use the Medication Delivery feature?

First, ensure the user has been added as a clinician within Meddbase with all relevant clinical fields completed, including the clinician’s professional registration number.

Secondly, the clinician will need to have their security permission set to allow them to prescribe.

Finally, request their Medication Delivery account set up within Meddbase by contacting our support team.

2.

How do I send a prescription via the Medication Delivery feature?

Sending a prescription by the Medication Delivery feature is quick and easy. For a short video on how to do this click here.

3.

Can a prescription be cancelled or amended after signing?

Once a prescription is electronically signed by an appropriate clinician it cannot be cancelled within Meddbase.

Signature Pharmacy should be contacted as soon as possible if a prescription needs to be cancelled:-

4.

Who can prescribe via the Medication Delivery feature?

Any clinician set up with a clinician account in Meddbase and a Medication Delivery account can prescribe via the feature.

This includes all legal UK prescribers including doctors and independent prescribers.

5.

How can we see the status of a prescription?

Once a prescription is e-signed this will show against the prescription status in Meddbase. For further information regarding dispensing and delivery Signature Pharmacy should be contacted via:-

6.

Can you prescribe multiple items on one prescription and have them delivered?

Yes, multiple items can be prescribed and delivered as part of a single prescription.

7.

Can you process repeat prescriptions via the Medication Delivery feature?

Yes, repeat prescriptions can be e-signed and delivered using the Medication Delivery feature.

8.

What are the Human Medicines Regulations 2012?

 

The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 govern the authorisation, sale and supply of medical products for human use.

The Medication Delivery feature is fully compliant with this legislation meaning prescriptions can be electronically signed and delivered using the feature.

9.

How does Medication Delivery differ from other e-prescription offerings?

 

The Medication Delivery feature provides a fully legal means to electronically prescribe medication safely and securely in compliance with legislative requirements.

The feature is built into the existing Meddbase system meaning there is no need for transcribing of medication, or additional workflow steps, which would introduce clinical risk and inefficiency. Medication Delivery removes the need for pen, paper, fax machines or emails.

10.

How often do prescribers need to authenticate with their Medication Delivery logins to sign prescriptions?

 

Prescribers will need to authenticate using their Medication Delivery logins once per Meddbase session. 

11.

How long does a user stay authenticated after logging into the Prescription Authentication UI?

If the user is active, users will only need to authenticate once per Meddbase user session.

If the user is idle, the user will stay authenticated for the time configured for 'Screensaver timeout' in Admin > Configuration +120 mins.

Manually logging out of Meddbase and logging back in again requires the user to re-authenticate via the Prescription Authentication UI.

 

Patient FAQs


Pharmacy Service Provision


Item Question Answer
1.

How will my medication be delivered?

Your medication will be delivered either using DPD or Royal Mail for nationwide deliveries and in-house couriers for same-day deliveries. You can discuss the delivery options available and choose the most convenient option directly with Signature Pharmacy.

Delivery is free of charge and you can rest assured that all mediation is discreetly packaged.

2.

How will I receive my prescription?

You will not need to receive the prescription as it will be sent directly from the clinician to Signature Pharmacy for dispensing and dispatch.

3.

Will I receive a paper prescription?

No, the service is totally paperless, maximising the security of your data and minimising hassle as well as environmental impact.

4.

Can I cancel my prescription?

To cancel your prescription, contact Signature Pharmacy via:-

If you do not wish to proceed with medication delivery, you can simply ignore the payment request and your prescription order will not be fulfilled. You would need to contact the prescriber if you want to make alternative arrangements for your prescription.

5.

Can my prescriptions be left with my neighbour if I’m out?

Yes, when your item is dispatched, you can contact the delivery provider and arrange for the medication to be left at your neighbours/a safe place.

6.

How much will medication and delivery cost?

The cost of private prescriptions varies depending on the cost of the medication prescribed. Private prescriptions are not subsidised by the NHS and are chargeable at all pharmacies.

A competitive price is guaranteed throughout partner pharmacy Signature Pharmacy. Regardless of same-day or next-day delivery preference, prescription delivery is free of charge.

7.

How do I pay for my prescription?

Once your prescription is signed by the prescriber, Signature Pharmacy will contact you to arrange payment and confirm your delivery. 

You will receive a link by email and SMS, usually within two working hours. Through this link you can pay for your prescription, choose the delivery method and your preferred delivery address  

8.

How will I get updates on my prescription?

Once your prescription is signed by the prescriber, you will receive an email confirming the prescription has been sent to Signature Pharmacy (subject to your consent to receiving emails from your healthcare provider)

Signature Pharmacy will then contact you to arrange payment and confirm your delivery.

9.

How will I receive updates regarding delivery?

Once payment is received by our partner pharmacy Signature Pharmacy you will receive regular updates by a tracked courier service.

10.

How confidential is the service?

Signature Pharmacy is a fully registered and compliant Pharmacy with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Your data is kept securely within our electronic healthcare record system and accessed by Signature Pharmacy meaning that your data is handled by clinicians on a need-to-know basis.

In addition, your medication will be sent via secure courier in discreet packaging maintaining confidentiality throughout.

11.

Can I have my electronic prescription filled by another pharmacy?

No, but you can ask your clinician for a paper prescription which you can take to the pharmacy of your choice.

12.

Who do I contact if I have an issue with my prescription?

If your query is regarding a dispatched medication please contact the courier service. Otherwise please contact Signature Pharmacy who will be happy to help you with your query.

Tel: 0330 111 0440

Email: support@signaturepharmacy.co.uk

Post: Signature Pharmacy, 6 The Marlins, Northwood, HA6 3NP

Website: https://www.signaturepharmacy.co.uk/contact-us/

 

Review date


This article was last updated on 11th of Aug 2022 in the context of Meddbase version 1.246.0.35698