Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravanning and Camping Abroad 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: A victory for common sense
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personkenren
16/9/2024 at 2:16pm
 Location: East Midlands
 Outfit: None Entered View kenren's Profile View Profile   Reply to kenren Reply   Quote kenren Quote  
Joined: 14/8/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   635
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
When I got up this morning and went to take my daily medicines I happened to notice that somehow I’d managed to not pack enough of one of them to see out the holiday in fact I would be about a week short. It is not something I’d be happy about missing for a week so my first reaction was how do I get some before my stock runs out.

We are in the south of France so I decided to phone my home doctor’s surgery to see if I could arrange for a prescription to be emailed so that I could get some from a local chemist. So I called the surgery and was advised that I was number 30 in the queue and would I like a callback when I got to the front. This I accepted and was sent a link to check what my latest position was. After an hour and a half I checked and I was number 18.

Rather than hang around, I know where the local chemist is so I decided to pay them a visit and see if they could help. I explained the situation - thankfully I speak reasonable French - and the pharmacist asked me what specific medication I needed so I produced my current packet and she nodded and went and fetched some. I asked her if I would need to get a prescription for her to supply it and she said that her first duty was to her patients and not to red tape and it was clear to her that my request was genuine so I could have them straight away. She charged me €7 and I came home a relieved and happy man.

After all this I checked and I was now number 4 in the queue which I happily cancelled.

I don’t think I would have got the same reaction in GB and am very grateful there are at least some people left that are prepared to apply a bit of common sense to what could have been a difficult situation.

Ken


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


PersonMonty15
16/9/2024 at 3:13pm
 Location: London
 Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524 View Monty15's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monty15 Reply   Quote Monty15 Quote  
Joined: 17/9/2015

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2328
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0
That's certainly excellent service, and some reassurance that hindering bureaucracy doesn't go 'international' under such circumstances!

But have to say, had similar 'common sense' from a local pharmacy at home. My mother was a chronic asthmatic with a cocktail of drugs, and her consumption varied significantly depending on how badly she was suffering, so keeping a suitable stock of drugs with repeat prescriptions was forever challenging, rather than relying on routine scheduled repeats dealing with demand. Our local pharmacy knew us well, and an 'emergency' request for something was dealt with on the spot, the 'paperwork' being caught up with later, AND dealt with by them! If it hadn't worked that way, my mother would likely have been an emergency admission to hospital countless times, or even died prior to medical intervention! Going to (more like attempting to go to!) our GP first would have involved days of delay as they were dreadful at communication, and took days to return phone calls, and weeks to get an appointment!

Enjoy your Hols.


Personmarg6
16/9/2024 at 3:19pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2016

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3126
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 0
in the uk if you are already getting medication and you run out while away, you can go to any chemist and ask them to check "on the spine" your details and then supply the missing meds that way


Personkenren
16/9/2024 at 4:31pm
 Location: East Midlands
 Outfit: None Entered View kenren's Profile View Profile   Reply to kenren Reply   Quote kenren Quote  
Joined: 14/8/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   635
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by marg6 on 16/9/2024
in the uk if you are already getting medication and you run out while away, you can go to any chemist and ask them to check "on the spine" your details and then supply the missing meds that way


I must admit I didn’t know that. Very interesting

Ken


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


PersonSGThomas
16/9/2024 at 4:48pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6707
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98
Several times we have run out of a medicine whilst in France. In each case we took the empty package to the chemist and they produced the same, or equivalent drug. Obviously there were a couple of questions but really no hassle.The charges were always surprisingly low


Advertisement



PersonDavid Klyne
16/9/2024 at 9:07pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome View David Klyne's Profile View Profile   Reply to David Klyne Reply   Quote David Klyne Quote  
Joined: 13/2/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9601
Site Reviews Total: 257
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 6  
Site Reviews 2022: 15 
Site Reviews 2021: 7  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 16 
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 3
Site Nights 2023: 22
Site Nights 2022: 62
Site Nights 2021: 33
Site Nights 2020: 4
Site Nights 2019: 56
Site Nights 2018: 15
We had a similar situation in Italy some years ago. We did have the script from the prescriptions with us and it was very easy to get the medication, and cheap!

David


Personlongcol
17/9/2024 at 12:20am
 Location: Perigord Noir
 Outfit: Outwell Oakland XL View longcol's Profile View Profile   Reply to longcol Reply   Quote longcol Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1148
Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Having lived over here for 6 years we've found that pharmacies are the real backbone of the health system. Even a village with no other health services - and perhaps only a boulangerie as far as other shops are concerned, is likely to have a pharmacie. Size of the one in our village would put some branches of Boot's to shame.


Our experience of GP's, hospitals, and other services eg physiotherapy, is also very positive.


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


Personbadger54
17/9/2024 at 8:58am
 Location: kent
 Outfit: Adria Twin 640 SPX View badger54's Profile View Profile   Reply to badger54 Reply   Quote badger54 Quote  
Joined: 30/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1602
Site Reviews Total: 19
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 4
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 1
Having lived in France for a few years in the early 2000`s I was amazed at the pharmacies everywhere, as Longcol says, even in very small towns. There seemed to be a constant stream of customers leaving with carrier bags full of meds. I remember a French neighbour telling me that the French feel cheated if they go to see their GP and don`t leave with a precription for at least 3 items.


PersonRich73
18/9/2024 at 4:42pm
 Location: West yorkshire
 Outfit: BMW 520d Bailey Ranger 550 6 View Rich73's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rich73 Reply   Quote Rich73 Quote  
Joined: 19/8/2018

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   104
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 2
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 10
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I'm not saying that this is the case here, but there is the possibility that some drugs we get on prescription are often available over the counter, and can be much cheaper.

Pain killers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be prescribed but are available for less than a pound at the supermarket.


PersonFiona W
via mobile 18/9/2024 at 10:07pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5144
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 234
Site Reviews 2024: 18 
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 12 
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 9  
Site Reviews 2018: 18 
Site Nights 2024: 37
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 32
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 20
Site Nights 2019: 28
Site Nights 2018: 30
Quote: Originally posted by Rich73 on 18/9/2024

Pain killers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be prescribed but are available for less than a pound at the supermarket.



I wouldn’t dream of getting a prescription for paracetamol or ibuprofen: we always get ours from “the pound shop” or Aldi.

-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


Advertisement



Personblueexpo97
19/9/2024 at 8:46am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
Joined: 07/2/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9848
Site Reviews Total: 24
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 2
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I didn't think you could buy any pain medication in a supermarket in France.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


PersonEwen c
via mobile 19/9/2024 at 9:00am
 Location: County Kildare Ireland EU.
 Outfit: Tents View Ewen c's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ewen c Reply   Quote Ewen c Quote  
Joined: 22/8/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3012
Tent Reviews:   12
Site Reviews Total: 21
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 5  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 1
Site Nights 2022: 1
Site Nights 2021: 7
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 3
Site Nights 2018: 9
Quote: Originally posted by Rich73 on 18/9/2024
I'm not saying that this is the case here, but there is the possibility that some drugs we get on prescription are often available over the counter, and can be much cheaper.

Pain killers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be prescribed but are available for less than a pound at the supermarket.




Depends on the strength. The prescription stuff is often stronger and higher dose. Also the aspirin you get prescribed for strokes is a different dosage than the stuff you get in supermarkets. We are restricted in Ireland to how much we can buy over the counter as well. The first week out of hospital this year I wouldn't have managed on over the counter painkillers.
When I lived in Lithuania, I noticed they have more pharmacies than the UK. Then again the small town I live in here in Ireland has 5 dispensing chemists on the main street alone. I've always found French pharmacies to be excellent and very helpful.
One thing though, when I had, what I thought was, food poisoning and wind last year I only consulted the chemist. One burst appendix later...

-------------
Hypercamp Alaska
Vango Force 10 mk3
Vango F10 Helium 1
Coleman Cobra Pro 3
Coleman Cobra 2
Naturehike Star River 2
Eureka! Solitaire
Dutch army goretex bivvy bag


PersonMucker1884
21/9/2024 at 8:14am
 Location: Derby.
 Outfit: Karsten 350+Awnings View Mucker1884's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mucker1884 Reply   Quote Mucker1884 Quote  
Joined: 01/7/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9052
Tent Reviews:   5
Site Reviews Total: 40
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 6
Perhaps something else that may be worth consideration...

If you do run out/forget to take with you, and you don't have the packet, or know the name of your meds, I guess many of us have the NHS App nowadays, which of course lists the repeat prescriptions on there (To show the local pharmacist).




-------------
2024: 38 nights thus far...
2023: 47 nights
2022: 40 nights
2021: 30 nights
2020: Just 24 nights
2019: A personal best 50 nights
2018: Just the 30 nights
2017: 34 nights
2016: 32 nights
2015: 38 nights
2014: 34 nights
2013: 36 nights
From July 2012: 23 nights


Personbilly
via mobile 23/9/2024 at 6:52pm
 Location: North Essex
 Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400 View billy's Profile View Profile   Reply to billy Reply   Quote billy Quote  
Joined: 19/4/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4364
Site Reviews Total: 39
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 6  
Site Reviews 2022: 7  
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 7  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 121
Site Nights 2023: 45
Site Nights 2022: 91
Site Nights 2021: 112
Site Nights 2020: 84
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
If you get bound up in France the good news is that Lactulose is same word in French & similar price for same amount as UK. Comes in drinkable sachets not bottle though.

-------------
Every day should be a holiday!


PersonNetherton
23/9/2024 at 7:35pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Netherton's Profile View Profile   Reply to Netherton Reply   Quote Netherton Quote  
Joined: 12/1/2019

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1230
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 3
We went into a branch of Boots Chemists in Hua Hin,Thailand - same layout as in Uk, same stock,same staff uniforms, altogether a dead copy. So I said to the assistant This is just the same as in England. And she said, Ah, so, you have Boot in your country now?


PersonSGThomas
24/9/2024 at 7:12am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6707
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98
Quote: Originally posted by billy on 23/9/2024
If you get bound up in France the good news is that Lactulose is same word in French & similar price for same amount as UK. Comes in drinkable sachets not bottle though.


Conversely ask for loperamide not Immodium. It is about a third of the price



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravanning and Camping Abroad - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

7548 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder