Collecting and delivering prescriptions

Last updated: 10th March 2021

Whilst there is currently no longer a requirement for certain groups to shield, there might still be a need for collecting and delivering prescriptions for people who are self-isolating either as a result of a positive Covid test or because they have been told to do so through the Test and Protect system..  If you, your organisation or group are picking up and delivering prescriptions you should:

• understand the risk associated with this activity and what is needed to manage this risk

• have a clear procedure for collection and delivery of prescriptions that is understood and agreed by the person, the volunteer or staff member and the pharmacy

• follow the current advice from our public health agencies and Government on hand hygiene and social/physical distancing

• never give advice to anyone about a prescription, including over the counter medication 

• never share personal information about an individual, their medications or other circumstances

Understanding and managing risk

Some prescriptions have a potentially high street value. Sadly it has been known for people to steal prescription medication for their own use or to sell on. There is a risk of harm towards staff members and volunteers should they be confronted by someone trying to steal medication and there is a risk of harm if someone doesn’t receive the medication they need. 

Collecting and delivering prescriptions should only be carried out if the risks above are taken seriously, understood and managed. You can do this by:

• asking your group or organisation to do a thorough risk assessment

• helping to arrange for a local pharmacy to deliver prescriptions directly to the person wherever possible.

• picking up and delivering prescriptions in pairs, and never alone.

• having a clear procedure in place, such as the suggested procedure below.

Suggested procedure for collection and delivery of prescriptions

• The self-isolating person should advise their local pharmacy in advance that someone else is going to collect their prescription.

• Wherever possible ask them to arrange for their prescription to be collected from the pharmacy closest to where they live.

• You should wherever possible and practical collect and deliver prescriptions in pairs, in line with any risk assessment that has been carried out. You must also follow the current social/physical distancing guidance when doing this and stay the required minimum distance apart, unless you are with someone who is part of your immediate household.

• If the closest pharmacy is not within walking distance and you should follow the recommendations set out in our section on Physical and Social Distancing: travelling in a vehicle.

• Consider calling or sending a message to an agreed point of contact to confirm that you have collected it and are on the way to deliver it, this could be someone else from your network, group or organisation.

• You should also call or send a message to the person to let them know you when you are approaching their home, with an estimated time of arrival.

• To deliver the prescription you should place the prescription on the doorstep, knock on the door and move back a minimum of 2 metres.

• Once the person has collected the prescription from the doorstep you should consider calling or messaging the agreed point of contact to confirm the task has been completed safely, and leave.

Remember: prescriptions are free for the vast majority of people in Scotland so you should not have to exchange any money. If you are asked to buy over the counter medications you can read advice on this in the handling cash section.

Important: Never give advice about a prescription, including over the counter medications.  If asked, you should tell the person to contact their local pharmacy or GP.

Managing personal and confidential information 

If you are volunteering or working with an established group or organisation it is highly likely they already have policies in place that cover data protection, confidentiality and safeguarding. You need to make sure that you are familiar with these policies and ask for training if at all unsure.

If you are part of a self-organised network or you are volunteering as an individual there are no formal policies to follow but you still have a duty and responsibility to make sure that personal information and confidentiality is protected.  You should:

• only share information with others on a strict ‘need to know’ basis

• never keep documents or lists about individuals that could be accessed by someone else

• never use social media to share details about anyone you are supporting

• think about ways you can discuss, develop and share good practice or raise issues without naming individuals

• be clear with the person that you are supporting the circumstances in which you might have to share information about them

Links to important information in this section

• NHS Inform

• Health Protection Scotland

• NHS Hand Hygiene Poster: Hand Wash Technique and Hand Sanitizer Technique

• Hand Hygiene Soap and Warm Water Video 0:52 seconds

• Hand Hygiene Alcohol Based Hand Rub Video 0.42 seconds

• Volunteer Glasgow Guidelines on Keeping Volunteers and Individuals Safe

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Please get in touch if you would like to comment on the advice or ask a question on anything we haven't thought of and we will do our best to get an answer.