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Changes to Prescription Ordering in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (NHS STW) has carried out a review of the Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service - a phone and email-based system for ordering repeat prescriptions that has been in place since 2016/17. 

Currently used by around 70% of GP practices across the area, POD was originally set up to reduce medicines waste. However, the recent review has found that the service now duplicates functions already offered through GP practices and the NHS App.  

The service also faces persistent access issues, rising staffing costs, and no longer represents good value for money - costing the local NHS over £1 million annually. 

As a result, and in line with national priorities to improve digital access to NHS services, NHS STW will be phasing out the POD service over the coming months. 

There is support available

We understand this will be a change for many patients, and we are committed to supporting a smooth and inclusive transition. Access to medication will remain a priority for all patients, whether they use digital services or not.
 

How will patients be supported?  

  • Help using the NHS App, including resources shared through GP practices.
  • Alternative options such as repeat dispensing or contacting GP practices directly for those unable to use digital tools. 
  • Collaboration with community partners to offer local digital support and ensure vulnerable patients are not left behind. 

Below, there are a number of different information resources including further details around why this is happening, as well as communication and engagement tools to support healthcare colleagues, system partners and other stakeholders.  

We encourage everyone to use these resources to help broaden circulation and participation. It's especially important that those most likely to be affected by this change have the opportunity to share what support they need moving forward.

Listening to you

To help shape this transition, we have launched a public engagement exercise to hear directly from local people. We want to understand how this change may impact you and how we can provide the right support to meet your needs. 

Your feedback is vital and will inform how we move forward to make this transition as smooth and inclusive as possible. 

Please share your views by completing the survey.

What happens next?

A public information campaign will be rolled out to explain: 

  • Why the change is happening 
  • What your options are 
  • How to access help and support. 

We are working closely with GP practices, pharmacies, patients, carers, and community partners to ensure continued access to repeat prescriptions. 

To stay up to date, this webpage will be regularly updated with information, support and progress for this work.  

 

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Page last updated 30 September 2025

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