University Of Sussex Health Centre 2016-10-11 Person 3 5 0

I required a repeat prescription of a particular analgesic (Gabapentin), and sent a detailed e-mail to request a further supply up to the time I am booked in for surgery to relieve the pain (hopefully) by decompression of the nerve root. I was told at reception that I could not have a repeat prescription issued as I hadn't received the drug previously (not true). However, a nurse would be able to help. I saw the nurse after a very short wait, and she confirmed I could receive Gabapentin, but only for the same period (about a week) as my previous prescription! I pointed out that this would mean repeat prescriptions every week until my planned surgery in a month's time, but was informed that only a doctor could provide a prescription for a longer period, and a telephone consultation would be necessary. However, at reception, I was informed that the earliest date for a telephone consultation with my GP would be in ten days (by which time I would have run out of my supply of Gabapentin). I pointed out to the receptionist that abrupt withdrawal from Gabapentin can result in seizures, at which point she arranged a telephone consultation tomorrow with another doctor. So, assuming tomorrow's telephone consultation resolves the issue, all worked out well in the end, and everyone was friendly and helpful. But I didn't get the feeling that the practice was really on top of my case. I should also mention that the nurse also used the occasion to give me my flu jab, and check my blood pressure, so that was a definite positive.