A BOLTON woman has accused doctors of being stuck in the last century after they informed her she could not use e-mail, a fax machine or even the telephone to order a repeat prescription.

Diana Raicys of Elm Street, Farnworth, contacted her GP surgery last week to order a repeat prescription.

Unable to actually make it in person, she asked if their was any alternative way of ordering her medication.

But she was furious when she was told the only way they would issue a prescription was in person, ordered 24 hours before it was required.

She has now contacted Wigan and Bolton Health Authority and her local councillor to register her complaint and hopes they will be able to convince doctors to modernise their policy.

She said: "The Government has been talking recently about modernising the NHS, but it seems to me as if a lot of doctors want to remain stuck in the 19th century. It is often very inconvenient for me to get to the doctors because of my lifestyle and I work away from home.

"It would be the simplest thing in the world to e-mail or fax my request, but they insist I call in person. The drugs I need are not life-threatening, but I sincerely hope they are more accommodating with those who need drugs for conditions like angina."

A spokesman for Wigan and Bolton Health Authority said it is largely up to each individual practice to set policy on repeat prescribing, but a medical director is available to advise on best practice -- including encouraging doctors to modernise and become more "customer " focused.

He added: "We will always encourage GPs to modernise wherever possible, but it is totally up to them whether they take advice on board. It is certainly possible now for patients not to have to go into a surgery when they need prescriptions -- in some cases they don't even have to leave the house."