Dear all
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
This year has been one of uncertainty, however, we have worked hard to maintain and improve the service provided by Connect Prescription Services. There have been lots of improvements made in response to COVID-19 and your feedback.
In March we sent out a survey asking for your input and opinions on the service and how we can improve. Almost a thousand people responded with over 1500 comments regarding the positive features of the staff and service. Around 500 comments were made about parts of the service where things could be better which provided us with valuable information on how we can improve our service. As a result, we are pleased to announce the following improvements:
Electronic Prescribing
Many of you identified the inefficiencies of using the postal system to deliver your prescription to your chosen dispenser. In April, we were granted permission to use the electronic prescribing system which has improved the safe and speed at which your prescriptions are delivered. We can confidently say that over 95% of the prescriptions we issue will reach the chosen dispenser on the same day as the order is placed.
Accessibility to the service
Accessibility to the different parts service was identified as a problem for some people. In response to this we have improved how and when you can access the service. From 4th January 2021 our opening hours are changing. On Mondays and Wednesdays access to the telephone lines and nursing team will be extended to 8am-8pm, and Saturday mornings from 9am-1pm. In addition to ordering by telephone, you have the option to order online or by using a smartphone app. For more information on this please ask when you next place your order.
We have also increased the ways in which you can access our nursing team so you can now ask for a your review to be conducted face to face in our COVID-19 safe clinic, using video calling technology such as FaceTime or WhatsApp, in your own home or over the telephone. If you are experiencing stoma related problems or have not had a review within the last year we would encourage you to arrange a review with us.
New phone system
Our telephone service was another area of improvement that was identified. In September, we implemented a new telephone system. The new system has several features you have asked for including an estimated call wait time and the option to go straight to leave a message if the waiting time is too long. We have also added a 2 question survey at the end of each call, so that we can obtain feedback on the quality of the calls taken and identify areas for further improvement. We would be grateful if you could take part and assist the service in being the best it possibly can be for everyone.
Staff training
Areas of staff training and knowledge were also identified. The feedback from new phone system will help us to identify any gaps in knowledge which we can address individually and in group sessions. On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month between 10am and 12pm we will close the phone lines to deliver training to our team.
Feedback
We are continuously looking for ways in which we can improve our service. We welcome feedback in order for us to achieve this. You can share you experiencing of the service by visiting https://www.iwantgreatcare.org/hospitals/nams-prescription-service/ Alternatively, you can speak to our team by calling 0800 085 3745 or emailing us on connectservices.feedback@nhs.net .
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a safe and healthy festive period and 2021.