About the author
Jonathan Scott is the Chair of the Dispensing Appliance Contractors (DACs) section of the BHTA which represents contractors who supply medical devices via NHS prescriptions. With a strong background in healthcare and business leadership, Jonathan plays a key role in advocating for regulatory compliance and promotes the delivery of high standards of patient care. His expertise helps guide the sector in navigating challenges related to healthcare policy and service delivery.
Receiving the right products when you need them
While the delivery of stoma supplies is typically reliable, there’s always the possibility that you could encounter challenges in receiving the right product when you need it. If this happens to you, knowing your rights as an ostomate can help you manage a situation that can feel stressful as well as being very inconvenient.
That’s why I want to let you know about the Code of Ethical Business Practice to which all British Healthcare Trade Association (BHTA) member companies, ie dispensing appliance contractors (DACs), must adhere.
The Code of Ethical Business Practice
The code demonstrates BHTA’s commitment to promoting industry-wide best practice and putting patients at the heart of its interactions. It was drawn up to give all dispensing contractors the same guidance as to the rights of ostomates.
You can find the code in full here, but the most important thing to note is that once your GP (or other prescriber) has issued your prescription for a particular product, that prescription belongs to you as the user of that product. It is, therefore, your choice which DAC – or pharmacy – you would like your product(s) dispensed from. The code is very clear on this.
There is potential for a conflict of interest to arise in cases where a DAC is owned by a product manufacturer. However, the code makes clear that DACs must not recommend products to patients. It is not the role of your chosen DAC or pharmacy to suggest alternative products for you to try. Only your GP, stoma nurse, or other prescriber has the right to do this.
If your DAC does not have the product on your prescription, they must let you know this and tell you how long it will take them to get it to you. If their timing is not acceptable, ie if you need the product urgently, your DAC has a duty to signpost you to another dispenser that has your product in stock.
Remember, it is your right to use the DAC of your choice to supply you with the product(s) on your prescription. Should you encounter any difficulties, please let the Urostomy Association know. They will pass on this information to the BHTA so that we can take up the issue with the relevant DAC.
The NHS website includes a list of all DACs, so if you are unhappy with the dispenser you are using and want to switch to another, you may find it helpful to start by looking there.
- Jonathan kindly took part in our World Ostomy Day 2024 webinar. You can see his presentation here.