Knowledge of customer

[johnep]

Under the very old Poisons Regs, a buyer was supposed to be known to the pharmacy before buying things like Arsenic, Strychnine, Cyanide etc.

There was a case where it was deemed that even if the pharmacist did not know the customer, the staff could and this would be accepted.

Today in came methadone client to collect. I could not find script at first and he explained that his girl friend had called in yesterday and the pharmacist had refused supply. I said did she have a note, No was his reply but she is wellknown at the pharmacy and never had a note before.
I supplied with a deduction for yesterday.
I have worked elswhere where mothers have collected for their children without a note and the invariable reply was 'never been asked for a note before'

I have had experience of a couple splitting up and the other collecting both quantities. In comes the other party and kicks up merry hell. That is why I always want a note.
What do you do?
johnep

[Zoggite]

I personally don't request a note, but then I do know my addicts. And I tell them all that, although I don't require a note, I may not alwas be there and that other pharmacists may have other rules, so be prepared to provide a note.
On the other hand: how are you, as a locum, supposed to know whether the note is genuine or not? Do you keep a sample of the addict's handwriting? I try to keep their mobile number on the PMR, so that if someone presents a note, allegedly on their behalf, I can give them a ring to check. Or if they 'phone me to ask if it's OK to send XYZ to collect for them, I give them a "password" ('Sunflowers'; 'I have a black cat' or something daft) to repeat to me on collection, so that I know that XYZ is the designated collector who has the addict's permission to collect.

Any hiccups, or any problems, they know they can find another Mug to dispense their meths.

[DavidS]

If the dispensary staff say that this person always collects, then I'll give it.

I did once get given a forged note: it was a genuine collect but the person was too drunk to write their own note. (Girlfriend spelt the addict's name wrongly in the signature!)

[Batfink]

I would ask for a note every time.

Incidentally, I recently did a locum in a shop I'd not been to for a few years and the regular pharmacist warned all the addicts that I may want to see some ID. Every one of them stated that they didn't have anything in the way of ID (but I bet they managed to find something when claiming their benefits, don't you think?).

[PHARMAC1ST]

I think if the staff know the person collecting then that would serve better than having a note as a note can be forged! But as a locum would you not want to cover your back with the note with the patients signature and then double check with sig on back of script (that is if it has been signed)

Abit of topic.
I used to work regular at a pharmacy that did over 160 addicts a day. I was told by the main pharmacist there that asking a patients date of birth would suffice as a form of ID and that it was ok'ed by the inspector.

[lamzee]

I used to work regular at a pharmacy that did over 160 addicts a day.

WOW -- that's horrendous!