I’m supposed to have a medication delivery sometime in the next two weeks but thanks to Lloyds Homecare’s amazing app (can you smell the sarcasm?) I can’t get logged in to check when. I can’t use the app at all. This isn’t the first time this pack of clowns has let me down and I’m now wondering if it’s entirely possible to have my medication delivered by an alternative provider, ie, a provider that doesn’t think it’s a grand idea to take away a functioning web portal and replace it with an app that seems designed by a three year-old seal (don’t ask “why a seal?” I just don’t like seals. They smell and they look shifty).
But seriously though - is it possible to change providers? Google’s not being too clear on the subject, so I thought I’d ask the experts!
Smelly Shifty looking Seals - that’s made me laugh this morning
You could try having a word with the folks on NHS111 - they were great for me a couple of years ago when the pharmacy round here were playing silly buggers with my medication.
If it is for regular drugs obtainable through a prescription written by your GP it should be possible to choose a different provider.
However, if it is for a DMT because of their high value and limited availability there will be special arrangements. If these go wrong , it is difficult to sort through as there are many places to look for the problem and the fault may not be with the distributor.
I was using Lloyds pharmacy when I was on kesimpta and they use to txt me and call regarding delivery’s. In the year I was with them I only had one delivery that run late but I was never left without an injection to use. Have you tried calling them? As unfortunately modern technology does seem to go wrong at times. I hope you manage to get sorted out. Also you could try speaking with your neurologist as they have to send the prescription to the pharmacy to be processed.
Sorry but I’m with Punchy Dragon here. LLOYDS PHARMACY are the absolute worst. I genuinely think my MS has progressed because of the stress they put me through. I don’t know if it’s that they don’t train their staff, or if it’s that they seek the most ludicrous people on purpose. Either way, net result is a frustrated customer without their meds. Nice one Lloyds pharmacy.
This is why I went for Ocrevus rather than Kempsita! When I had specialist drugs for IBD, they were sent via Sciensus and I swear they made me pull my hair out, battle to get the prestigious night time slots, get it booked, then “your delivery driver is 1 stop away, you are next delivery, your delivery failed” you speak to agent, can’t deliver for 2 weeks now. I still have nightmares about it.
Lloyds sound useless - no wonder you are stressed! Can you feed back to your neurology team? They may have some sway over which provider is chosen.
I don’t know if you can change provider for a hospital prescribed drug.
I am on Kesimpta and was told that Pharmaxo are the supplier for my area. I’ve not been on the drug long so have only had a couple of deliveries. The deliveries have been very good, on time, good communications etc. The only tricky bit was getting through to the company on the phone at first as I missed their initial call and they had to go through some speil with me before arranging the first delivery. It took a while to get through but I emailed and they were pretty responsive, and have been good since.
I’ve had a good experience with clickpharmacy.co.uk for fast and reliable medicine deliveries. They offer both NHS and private prescriptions, which might be useful if you’re looking to switch. Their next-day delivery and confidentiality have been handy for me. You might want to give them a try as an alternative.
I can understand your frustration. If a provider’s app or portal isn’t working reliably, especially when you’re trying to track important medication deliveries, it’s more than just an inconvenience.
In many cases, it is possible to switch homecare medication providers, but the process usually depends on the medication you’re receiving, your prescribing consultant, hospital team, or the NHS trust managing your treatment. Some medications are supplied through specific contracted providers, while others may have multiple approved delivery options available.
My suggestion would be to contact your specialist nurse, consultant’s secretary, or the hospital pharmacy department and explain the issues you’ve been experiencing with Lloyds Homecare. They should be able to tell you whether an alternative provider can be arranged and what steps would be involved.
In the meantime, if you’re unable to access the app, I’d recommend calling Lloyds Homecare directly to confirm your next delivery date rather than waiting for the app to cooperate.
Also, if you’re using assistive technology such as Dragon speech recognition software and accessibility is part of the problem, make sure to mention that when speaking with the provider. Some users rely on voice-control tools like Dragon, and app-only systems don’t always provide the same accessibility as a properly designed web portal.
Hopefully your hospital team can offer an alternative if the service issues are ongoing. Nobody should have to worry about whether essential medication is arriving because of a poorly functioning app.
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