Friday, July 14, 2017

As easy as buying a new epipen

Here's why it took about 4 hours over several weeks to get BallFiend a new epipen...

  1. Go to GP to get new script and anaphylaxis action plan - this took about 1 hour (including the 40 mins waiting time because the doctor was running behind).
  2. Go to Pharmacy to purchase epipens. Realise as I hand over the script that the GP has only written one epipen on the script (It should be two - same thing happened last year; hopefully I will remember when we return to the GP for a new script next year!). So pharmacist has to phone GP for authorisation to release a second epipen. GP is not available so pharmacist leaves a message and says she will call me once the epipen is ready for collection. About 30 mins.
  3. After waiting for two days with no call from the pharmacist, phone Pharmacy to check if GP has authorised second epipen. Yes epipen is ready for collection. That took 5 mins (of which 4 mins is waiting on hold).
  4. Return to Pharmacy to collect second epipen. About 30 mins.
  5. Prepare Anaphylaxis Action Plan - take a new portrait photo of BallFiend, adjust size to fit the square on the Action Plan, print photo and stick it on. Scan the action plan. Print copies for School, cubs, etc. 60 mins.
  6. Upload new action plan onto BallFiend's online health information form for Cubs. 15 mins.
  7. Update first aid kits (Home and School ones) - insert new action plans and put in new epipens. Mark old epipens as expired. 15 mins.
  8. Return expired epipens to pharmacy.
  9. Update details on the online reminder service ("Epiclub") with the new batch number and expiry date. 10 mins.