So much going on in and around the Shed

 An hour or so later we received an email from a school in Stockton who had seen Lakes School’s post. This school would like something like it.

We’ve had the idea that maybe teacher, parents or both might like to field a team to make one for their school, with guidance from us. A bit of role reversal with teachers learning!

Meanwhile, other work goes on

The trailer is geared up to go to Scotland next week to pick up some large equipment

The trailer has already given us some opportunities. we’d like to be recognisable on the road and we had AI help us devise something striking. We are exploring costs.

Due to a series of cock-ups, Graham stood for the fourth time in the week at the counter in Boots to get the last of 4 “connected” prescribed items. Connected because of a consultation with a nurse practitioner on Monday. All were needed to treat or monitor a condition. Items prescribed seemed not to have been fully transferred to the prescription instruction to Boots. 

 

With some excitement on Saturday morning he attended Boots to receive the last 2 of 4 items. There was only one of the two items in the paper bag. He had learnt this week to open each package to see what was there before leaving the pharmacy. The pharmacist checked the prescription online and it had not been ordered. He was advised to speak to surgery on the Monday. But it was needed for Saturday. Nothing could be done by Boots BUT they did suggest to call 111 and request an emergency prescription which would be sent by 111 directly to Boots.

 

At home, Graham consulted the NHS App to find that there was a link to 111. First it showed all his contact information with a request for the system to use it in the process (or enter it all again!). Graham had used 111 twice before but to consult on a problem for which he was required to complete an online questionnaire to aid diagnosis. However, this time it was not a matter of diagnosis but of missing prescription item. He then noticed that for non medical matters there was a call number.  That led to a game of number bingo to navigate the phone system and the usual “We are experiencing high call volumes, please consider calling later” message which he ignored. Within 20 seconds he was through to a human. 

 

He explained his predicament and soon a prescription was winging its way to Boots. Interestingly, because all my details were available to the adviser and she had access to Graham’s prescribed medications there were no further questions other than to identify Boots as my nominated pharmacy. 

 

Half an hour and another trip to Boots and Graham had what he needed.

 

To regular 111 users (assuming they exist) this might all be familiar. But not to Graham (who is, of course, of the older generation if not old!). 

 

But 111 did what Boots said they would. For administrative matters, it seems far easier than contacting the surgery. 

It’s another example of the fact that now there are various routes that can taken PROVIDED you know how or have a hint given and the courage to brave the new world.

 

Graham wondered if there was a way to explore the process without having to make a call.  Below is a short video of a consultation with an adviser.

 

Digital inclusion reaches every part of life these days.