GP referral process to East Lothian CTACS for patients commencing B12 injections:-
1. Confirm diagnosis and treatment are consistent with Refhelp B12 guidance and patient is able to attend CTACS location for injections.
2. Prescribe B12 injections on GP clinical IT system:
- LOADING DOSES – should be on acute prescriptions followed by
- LONG TERM THERAPY being added to repeat prescribing to ensure the nursing team can see the prescriptions on ECS.
3. Ensure prescription instructions are clear and include: name, strength and dose of medication, frequency (ideally in weeks) and method of administration (ie intramuscular)
4. Issue prescription to patient who will collect medication from community pharmacy.
5. Advise patient
- To phone CTACS directly to book their first appointment;
- That they must bring medication with them to every CTACS appointment in its original package labelled by community pharmacist;
- That B12 will not be administered any earlier than prescribed frequency;
- CTACS will refer the patient back to the practice if prescribing instructions are not clear.
6. Ensure ongoing regular review of repeat prescription as clinically appropriate (usually annual review).
7. Ensure that B12 injections are removed from active ‘repeat’ list if medication is stopped, or administration instructions are changed, and a new prescription issued if frequency is changed.
Please see the Resources and Links page for the full service specification.
11-04-24 C.M & K.C
