Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Patient Access
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- Telephone: Our dispensary telephone line to order/discuss prescriptions is open from 10:30 – 13:30.
- In person: By putting your request slip (the right hand side of your prescription) through the box at the dispensary or posting it to us. Please remember to tick the boxes adjacent to the medication you require.
Please note that it is standard practice to ask for a minimum of 7 days notice for repeat medication requests.
(We recommend 7 working days for repeat medication requests)
Collecting your prescription
The practice has an in-house dispensary where we can issue both acute and repeat medications within the surgery.
Our team of dispensers work closely with our clinical pharmacy team and our clinicians to provide a personalised service to our eligible patients.
In order to be eligible, your home address must be more than 1 mile from another local pharmacy.
Our dispensary opening times are 8:00 – 13:00 and 14:30 – 17: 30.
Our dispensary telephone line to order/discuss prescriptions is open from 10:30 – 13:30.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription please fill out the online form.
Non-urgent advice: Pick up your medication out of hours
Register Now for 24-hour Prescription Collections.
Delivery
The dispensary offers a delivery service for housebound patients for repeat medications. We are also able to organise and issue dossett boxes for suitable patients.
Prescription Prepayment Certificate
If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).
This can be used against a range of medications including HRT.
More information can be found at the link below:
Non-urgent advice: Why does it take a minimum of 7 days for repeat prescriptions?
This is to allow:
The prescription to be checked and signed by a clinician
The prescription to be sent back to the pharmacy and checked
Stock may need to be ordered
The prescription then is dispensed ready for collection
The minimum of 7 days rule reflects pharmacy standards and is to ensure drug safety, to help maintain stability in the stock of medicines nationally, and to reduce wastage of medicines.
We would recommend you allow 7 working days for your repeat prescriptions.
By adopting this approach for repeat medications in our dispensary, this also allows us to be able to issue acute medications (for example antibiotics) urgently.
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.
Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS)
The practice is set up for the electronic prescription service.
This means that for most patients we can send your prescription electronically direct to your chosen chemist, without you having to come to the surgery.
To get your prescription sent to your chosen chemist you will need to ‘nominate’ your pharmacy of choice. You can do this by speaking to the dispensary, the reception team or the pharmacy you choose.
For more information please click here
Prescription Fees
Help with NHS costs
In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:
- those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
- those who are age exempt
- those with certain medical conditions
- More information is available at NHS Choices
NHS Charges
Prescription charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in 3 months or more, you may find it cheaper to buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).
Please note that prescription fees do not go to the practice.
Why Can’t I Get Over the Counter (OTC) Medication prescribed?
A GP, nurse or pharmacist will generally not give you a prescription for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for a range of minor health conditions.
This is because of government policy to reduce the amount of money the NHS spends on prescriptions for treating minor conditions that usually get better on their own.