NHS Humber Health Partnership said ‘we do not operate any online pharmaceutical companies, even if they are claiming to be based at our hospitals’
A warning has been issued about prescription drugs being sold online (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
An urgent warning has been issued to patients in the Humber region after two websites are reported to have been using the address of a hospital to sell prescription-only medicines to the public. NHS Humber Health Partnership (HHP), which operates across East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, began an investigation after a member of the public contacted the pharmacy at Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, in Grimsby, with a query about medicine they had bought online. Joanne Goode, group chief pharmacist, said: “We do not operate any online pharmaceutical companies, even if they are claiming to be based at our hospitals. We know of one person who’s bought medication online from one of these websites but hasn’t received any medication.
“We’re concerned people are parting with their money for medicines that do not appear, thinking these websites have something to do with our hospitals. And, of course, there’s the added concern that someone using an online pharmacy may be receiving drugs which they may be allergic to or drugs which are being passed off as another drug or are actually counterfeit medicines.”
The websites are reported to have been advertising drugs including prescription-only medicine, medication for erectile dysfunction and fluid retention, and treatments for allergies using the NHS registration details. While some patients do receive medication at home from local hospitals as part of the Homecare scheme, this follows involvement with clinical specialists and HHP’s Pharmacy Team.
Anyone who thinks they may have been duped by an online company is urged to contact police. If you think you have received or taken any medication purchased from one of these websites, you should seek advice from a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111.
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