The Chief Pharmacist for hospitals in Hull, Goole, Grimsby and Scunthorpe has issued an urgent warning after two websites appear to have been using NHS registration details to sell prescription-only medicines to the public.
Joanne Goode, Group Chief Pharmacist at NHS Humber Health Partnership, began an investigation after a member of the public contacted the hospital pharmacy in Grimsby with a question about medication they’d purchased online.
She discovered two websites – FrontDoorChemist and Pharmacy-Click – appear to be advertising drugs including prescription-only medication, medication for erectile dysfunction and fluid retention and treatments for allergies using the NHS registration details, with the online pages giving the address for the company as Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.
The matter has been reported to Humberside Police, the national “Report Fraud” team, the General Pharmaceutical Council, NHS Fraud and National Cyber Security Centre after Joanne raised the alarm.
She 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.”
While some patients do receive medication at home from the hospitals as part of a scheme called Homecare, this follows involvement with clinical specialists and HHP’s Pharmacy Team.
Anyone who thinks they’ve been duped by an online company should contact their local 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.
