When you place an order for delivery via Royal Mail, our priority is to get the medication to you safely.
During our routine internal tracking, we've seen a rise in the number of delayed deliveries of refrigerated medication and controlled drugs.
Refrigerated Medication Orders
With the refrigerated orders and packaging we use, the medication is only safe if delivered within 48 hours. If it arrives after this time, we need to replace the medication and send it again via Royal Mail, with no guarantee that the replacement will arrive on time and in temperature.
During the summer months and high temperatures, the risk increases due to the ice packs melting quicker than is normal.
Controlled Drug Orders
With orders of controlled medication that require a signature upon delivery, we need to ensure this medication arrives promptly with effective tracking.
If these orders are delayed or Royal Mail lose the package, we're not able to replace the medication without a new prescription from the GP, which could cause potential issues and further delays.
Due to the nature of this medication, any losses need to be reported to the NHS.
What are we advising?
Due to the above issues, and our priority being that you receive medication safely, we're advising that orders for refrigerated and controlled medication be placed for collection from a local pharmacy.