A South Norfolk medical practice has begun delivering prescriptions directly to patients’ doors – providing a lifeline to elderly and housebound residents.

Church Hill Surgery in Pulham Market has commissioned a van to deliver medicines to patients who are housebound or who have problems collecting their medication.

For some time the surgery has delivered prescriptions to post offices in Dickleburgh, Great Moulton, and Tivetshall, but with an increasingly elderly population in a rural area Practice Manager Debbie Wade thought a delivery service would be helpful.

The service covers the practice’s catchment area and includes the villages of Dickleburgh, Rushall, Tivetshall, Gissing, Starston and Great Moulton.

Mrs Wade said: “We are in a very rural location and this delivery service is such a help to people, especially to elderly patients. Some are housebound and they are really worried about how they are going to get their medication and when the colder weather sets in it becomes even more difficult.

“Our patients can register for the delivery service with us. We keep it on record and then all their prescriptions will be taken to their door.”

Mrs Wade added: “Sometimes patients are so poorly a doctor will visit them at home. If they are too ill to make it to the surgery they certainly won’t be able to pick up their prescription. This is where we can help. People using this service are finding it a tremendous help and relief.”

Chris Andrew, 72, a former farmer and milkman, takes the delivery van out on rounds four days a week. He greets patients with a friendly smile and often stops for a chat as he drops off their prescription.

Mr Andrew said: “People are so grateful when I turn up with their medicines. When I go round and talk to them some of them cannot get out and they have to cajole somebody to go and get their prescriptions for them. They say to me: ‘This is a godsend; what a weight off my mind.’”

Church Hill Surgery has recently undergone a £200,000 programme of investment which has seen the car park extended and the building in Station Road completely refurbished. The work has led to the creation of a new consulting room and training room.

If you are a patient at Church Hill Surgery and are experiencing difficulties collecting your prescription, you can find out more about the service by contacting the surgery on 01379 676227.

Picture by the NHS and show Chris Andrew with Church Hill Surgery’s van

 

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