Frequently Asked Questions & Useful Links
The Integrated Care Board responsible for planning most NHS services in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes area, have been looking at how people who use stoma/urology products currently receive their prescriptions, and how to enhance the care that they receive. Having all appliance prescriptions provided by a single, centralised service will mean that prescriptions will be authorised by a team of specialist nurses, who will be able to ensure that patients are ordering and using the best products for their particular needs and moves this task away from GPs.
BLMK APS is a service provided by Bullen Healthcare on behalf of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board. Bullen Healthcare runs NHS stoma/urology prescription services in other areas.
You will be asked to confirm your details; this is to make sure that we issue the prescription correctly. You will also be asked three health and product related questions.
The three health and product related questions, related to stoma care, you will be asked are:
- Have you had any issues with your pouches or the items you receive for your stoma since your last prescription?
- Have you had any sore skin around or near your stoma since your last prescription?
- Have you spoken to or seen a stoma nurse or doctor about your stoma since your last prescription?
The three health and product related questions, related to a urology appliance need, you will be asked are:
- Have you seen a healthcare professional about your urology items since your last prescription?
- Do you have latex allergy?
- Have you had antibiotics for a urine related infection in the last 4 weeks?
You will also be asked to complete a stock-check, this is to ensure that you have sufficient supply at all times but that you don’t end up with an excess stock of products. You will need to check your stock levels before your monthly phone call is due.
If you wish to make a complaint about the BLMK APS service or to let us know about something that has gone well, please email us at prescripionservice.bhg@nhs.net alternatively, please call us on Freephone 0808 141 0824.
Your prescription will usually be for one month’s supply of stoma/urology products, unless there is a reason you need more product, such as going on holiday.
It is easy to just ask for a repeat prescription, but patients don’t always need the same amount of products every month. By doing a monthly stock check you will only ever order exactly what you need, and any problems that you might be experiencing can be picked up quickly and referred to one of our specialist stoma or urology nurses.
Yes, you can. You are still able to seek advice from your registered GP regarding your stoma and any associated healthcare needs. However, all prescriptions for stoma/urology-related products and appliances will need to be issued by the BLMK APS service.
The BLMK APS service does not replace the care that you might be receiving from the specialist nurses at your local hospital.
The service is not about cutting costs but about providing the best care and service to patients who are using stoma/catheter products.
You will always be able to order the products that are appropriate for your clinical needs. Changes to your current prescription will only be made following a review with a stoma/urology nurse.
