Huntingdonshire Health and Care Forum - What You Missed

Huntingdonshire Health and Care Forum - Summary Report

Key Updates & Discussion:

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

NIHR gave an update on research happening across Huntingdonshire at GP surgeries, schools, care homes and wider community centres.  

Laura Laiglesia, Cambridge and Peterborough Integrated Care System (C&P ICS) - Medicines Shortage

We heard from the ICB pharmacy team about medication shortages and pharmacy closures. Members shared experiences of their own difficulties getting certain medications.

Feedback from the public

• My daughter could not get her ADHD medication as there was a shortage. She was going through her A levels, and this was a stressful time for her.
• Some people expressed they cannot get their normal brand of medication.
• A person said the strength of statins in a pack have increased from 40-80mg. Cannot be prescribed 2 x 40mg.
• Issues with discontinued nasal sprays.

Feedback from ICB

• Diabetes sensors are often being discontinued.
• 19 Pharmacy closures last year.
• 42% of patients affected; approx. 150 medicines currently in short supply.
• Shortages linked to multiple factors including supply chain, manufacturing, and post-EU exit impacts.
• Previous problems with HRT and antibiotics (Amoxicillin).
• Plastic pens for diabetes pens are hard to get hold of.
• Department of Social Care has developed a medicine shortage tool.
• Advice to patients: Don’t rely on one pharmacy. Only order what you need; check medications before leaving the pharmacy. Never share prescriptions.
• If people find it hard to get their certain medication from their pharmacy, request their GP to provide a prescription for the hospital pharmacy where they should be available.