Lifeline Project
30-06-2006

Pharmacist Gregg Norris on privacy in a pharmacy setting

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Many people using drug services are required to pick up or consume methadone at a local pharmacy on a regular basis. Arrangements for customers vary.





Response by 'JB'

Pharmacist Greg Norris has an excellent attitude to prescription collection, unfortunately this view is not shared by all pharmacists. I have been collecting methodone for a few years now from a small village phamacy, whilst they have always treated me ok not a lot has been done to protect my privacy. When I was on supervised consumption, sometimes they made the effort to call me into the back but one of the pharmacists would just bring it out in a plastic glass, in front of everyone. I would often have my children with me and as it is a small village everyone knows me because my children go to the local school, however, I did not wish everyone to know about my drug problem. The pharmacist was oblivious to my feelings, even though I asked for discretion. My friends have told me stories of mistrust from pharmacists, they seem to think that because we take drugs we are going to rob them, I know some people let the side down, but we are not all the same. I think the set-up employed by Greg Norris should become policy with a respect for privacy paramount.

We welcome your comments on supervised consumption, daily pick up and experiences of pharmacy use.

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