A proposal to axe a service that allows people to order repeat prescriptions over the phone has been described as 'devastating'.
As it stands, the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) runs the Pod (prescription ordering direct) service which allows patients at 18 surgeries to call a dedicated phone number where they can speak with a health professional to order medication.
But under the new proposal - which follows the NHS issuing a letter to all ICBs nationally asking them to cut running costs by 30pc - the service could be cut from April 1 next year.
The NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB is currently consulting with staff over the plans, amid concerns over the possible impact on vulnerable patients.
A spokesperson for NHS Norfolk and Waveney said: “If the proposal is accepted at the end of the staff consultation period, it is proposed that the Prescription Ordering Direct service would be disestablished from April 2024.
"GP practices, patients and carers who currently use this service would be supported to ensure repeat prescriptions can easily be ordered in other ways, both via the NHS app and other non-digital means."
The spokesman added: “We are doing everything we can to support our staff through what we recognise is a difficult time."
It is believed the proposed cuts could put up to 50 jobs at risk.
Unison Eastern regional organiser Peter Passingham said: “Pod staff are devastated that their jobs could go in this completely unnecessary restructure.
“They’re not just fearful for their own livelihoods, they’re worried about how it will affect the people that rely on Pod for their prescriptions.
”While the technical problems with the new app can be ironed out, the key reason Pod exists is to support vulnerable people in getting their prescriptions.
“Groups such as the elderly or those with learning difficulties can quickly and easily talk to Pod call handlers and get their medication. They’ll now have to use a cumbersome app when they might not even have a smartphone to access it.
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“We hope the board reconsiders its decision to axe Pod but this is all down to a completely arbitrary government decision to slash ICB spending by 30pc.
”Government ministers may claim they’re putting record investment into the NHS and giving bumper rises to frontline staff. The reality is they’re making backroom staff pay the price.”
The 18 surgeries currently using the service are in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Bradwell, Beccles, Bungay, Lowestoft, Kirkley, Oulton Broad, Southwold and King’s Lynn.
The proposal is also being watched by Healthwatch Norfolk – a group that represents and advocates for patients in the county.
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Judith Sharpe, the organisation’s deputy chief executive, said: “From a patient’s perspective, prescription ordering needs to be as clear and simple as possible.
“The introduction of training sessions to help people use the NHS App are welcome. If that makes the process of obtaining medication easier for people, we welcome that," she said.
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Ms Sharpe added that Healthwatch will monitor the changes and ask any patients who have difficulty accessing prescriptions during the change-over to contact them so they can feedback on any issues and problems to healthcare leaders.
Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, said: “I will be contacting the ICB to seek clarification on this proposal, as clearly it is essential that residents are able to arrange repeat prescriptions in an efficient and timely manner.”
NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB's consultation with staff ends on September 8. A decision will then be made as to whether the proposal is confirmed or not.
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