Wrong identity, wrong medication: Deb’s story
Deb, 33, from Lincolnshire, says she often gets confused with another patient at her GP surgery and at the practice’s attached pharmacy.
“I have been mixed up with a different patient with a similar name on many occasions and even been given the incorrect medication,” Deb says.
Deb first noticed this happening in September 2024, when she was pregnant. “I was diagnosed with a UTI and prescribed antibiotics to treat it,” she explains.
“When I got the medicine from the in-house pharmacy, I was quite poorly at the time, so I didn’t spend much time scrutinising it.
“I just assumed it was correct and started taking it.”
Three days later, Deb got a phone call from the surgery to say that she had been given the prescription for someone with a very similar name.
“The medicine I picked up was one that you’re not supposed to take while pregnant,” Deb recalls.
Deb says that her initial response was fear. “I was worried about the side effects on my pregnancy,” she explains. “It was quite an emotional ride.”
Fortunately, the medicine didn’t have any adverse effects, and Deb was given the correct medication for her infection.
Once the dust had settled, Deb’s emotions shifted from fear to anger. “I got angry about it because they didn’t seem to follow up on it or say they’d do anything to stop it happening again.
“I never heard anything back until over a year later, when I kept getting confused for the other patient, and I made a formal complaint to the practice.”
Deb says that her practice now takes extra steps to ensure her appointments and medication don’t get mixed up with those of the other patient with a similar name. However, the experience has knocked her confidence.
“It has made me much more wary about asking for help. I can’t take my care for granted anymore. I feel like I have to double check everything, like my appointments or medications. This causes unnecessary stress, especially if I’m unwell,” she adds.
“I hope it doesn’t happen again. They can’t put people first if they’re not learning from mistakes.”
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