A disabled woman claims her life was put at risk by a prescription mix-up.

Debbie Stiff, 45, was horrified when her medication was confused with that of her husband, Gary.

The couple had been to see their GP together and then handed in their prescriptions to the Co-operative Pharmacy in the Swanley Centre.

Mrs Stiff had been given antibiotics for an ear infection, as well as repeat medication for on-going health problems, while Mr Stiff, 43, had been prescribed anti-inflammatory tablets for tennis elbow.

"Someone did make a big mistake and it could have had serious consequences” - Mrs Stiff

They collected the tablets the same day, but it was only once they were home and about to take them that Mr Stiff spotted his wife’s name was on every box.

“We didn’t know whose was whose and if I had taken anti-inflammatory tablets it could have been very detrimental to my health,” said Mrs Stiff, who is paralysed down the left-hand side of her body after suffering seven strokes.

“As soon as we realised we contacted the chemist. First of all they said they didn’t make mistakes and then that it hadn’t happened to anyone else.

“That’s not the point. Someone did make a big mistake and it could have had serious
consequences.”

The mum of four, who lives in Cherry Avenue, Swanley, cannot read or write and relies on recognising her medication by colour and size.

She said if Mr Stiff had not spotted the incorrect labels she could have easily mistaken the tablets as hers.

The couple have used the same chemist for many years but Mrs Stiff said she was concerned that a takeover by the Bestway Group had led to several staff changes.

She said she will now be taking her prescriptions elsewhere.

A spokesman for Bestway said: “We are aware of this incident and have been in direct contact with the family to offer our apologies.

“As a result of this incident we are reviewing the branch process and will keep the family updated to provide reassurance. The family’s vigilance in checking the medication meant no harm has been caused and we were able to rectify the situation promptly.”