Do trusses require a prescription?

Fogmatic

Anyone in the know about the regulations re trusses, and/or any effects on them of the current crisis?

Our GP diagnosed my husband with an inguinal hernia nearly 5 weeks ago (with an 18-month wait for surgery even then). He's being careful not to put strain on the area (and trying not to cough or sneeze!), but feels some kind of truss would help. According to my bit of Googling, pharmacists measure and fit them, but they always seem to be prescribed by a doctor.

But with GP visits restricted to emergencies, and elective surgery now out of the picture for the foreseable future, does anyone know if a prescription is strictly necessary? Or if pharmacists are even doing these trusses at the moment? Just to complicate things, we're in our 70s, he's asthmatic, and I've been the only one leaving the house for the last 3 weeks.

I'd start by ringing the health centre receptionist, but don't like to contribute to the pressure if I can find out somewhere else. A week or two before elective surgery went on hold I asked her about surgery in the North. She didn't know much about it but managed a quick word with our GP, who was going to ring us back, but obviously never got the time for that kind of phone call (and that was then!). I feel the same about ringing our obviously hard-pressed pharmacy to ask. (Though I'll be doing a shop in about 3 days, and face-to-face queries usually take less time (for them I mean - it was 2 customers at once yesterday).

Fogmatic

Sorry - that was meant to go in Medical Sciences! Any chance of moving it? (Couldn't find a way of deleting it from this forum).

Kurtosis

No bother, moved now!

Breezer

This needs to be discussed with someone experienced in the use of these devices. Certain specialised pharmacies fit them.

Your GP is probably a lot quieter now than in the last week or two. I’d suggest you give them a call back in the first instance.

echo beach

Your husband will need to be measured which presents a problem as he is now restricted to the house unless he has an medical appointment. He will have to speak to his doctor.

Medical supplies companies are also under a lot of pressure at the moment so sourcing could take longer than usual.

Fogmatic

Thanks all!

Yes, a word on the phone to our health centre receptionist is next, as soon as my husband's in the mood during their phone hours (I think this one'll be more efficient done direct).

Neither of us think there's much chance (even if trusses are ever prescribed for awaiting an op), but it seems worth asking just in case.

I'll report back, whenever!