Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions are generated by computer, subject to your written (using the white section of your exiting prescription or by completing the repeat prescription request form available in the reception area of the surgery) or online request.

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: SystmOnline

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

  • fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
  • You may send your prescription request by post including a stamped address envelope, however the practice cannot take any responsibility for delayed or lost post by Royal Mail.

To avoid errors, we ask receptionists not to take prescription requests over the phone.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

You can usually collect your prescription 2 days after you have ordered it.

We work with a number of local chemists who collect prescriptions from us daily or every other day, who will deliver your prescribed medication to you. This is subject to a contractual arrangement between you and the pharmacy. It is your responsibility to agree this arrangement. Once agreed you should inform the reception staff of that arrangement as you should if it changes.

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

Medication reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.

Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

Electronic prescription service

The Electronic Prescription Service (or EPS) will allow you to collect your medications from a pharmacy at a location convenient to you; it could be near your place of work, for example.

If you wish to join in this scheme, please go to your preferred pharmacy and let them know you want them to be your nominated pharmacy. They will then register your details and we will know that you have joined the EPS scheme.

If you have already nominated a pharmacy please remember that your prescriptions will automatically be sent to this pharmacy unless you ask us to do otherwise. If you are unsure whether you have a nominated pharmacy please check with your pharmacy.

Medicine wastage

Wastage currently costs the NHS about £300 million each year, which could be used to fund other health services. Everyone has a part to play in reducing the level of wastage and a number of recommendations have been made to GP’s, such as encouraging them to spend more time with patients discussing their medicine and to prescribe more efficiently using the repeat dispensing system.

The independent health and adult social care watchdog (B&H LINk) urges patients who take medicine to:

  • Only order what you need
  • Arrange a discussion with your pharmacist about your medicine (Medicine Check Up/Medicine Use Review) which is free and only takes about 20 minutes
  • Check what you have at home before re-ordering more medicine
  • If you have stopped taking your medicine, let your GP know
  • If you go into hospital, remember to take all your medicine with you
  • Always take medicine back to a pharmacy for safe disposal

The LINk has also produced some useful information for patients on the MCU and tips and tricks to help patients remember to take their medicine. If you would like any of these leaflets please contact the LINk office on 01273 810235 or see the LINk website.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

Prescription question

Pharmacists are trained experts in the use of medicines. For many questions regarding your medication you’ll find your pharmacy a valuable source of information.

You can use the form below to ask the practice a question regarding your medication, such as:

  • When you should take it and what to do if you miss a dose.
  • What the possible side effects are, and what to do if they occur.

Prescription synchronisation

If you would like to save time and order all the medication you have on repeat at the same time rather than irregular times throughout the month please use the form below.

When you next need to request an item on repeat count up all the tablets you have and fill in the form. Your doctor will issue a “one off” prescription of the tablets you need to synchronise all your medication to within a day or two.

Prescription requests when travelling or moving abroad

Under current legislation, the NHS’s duty of care ends when a person has been absent, or intends to be away from the United Kingdom for a period of more than three months. A supply of medications for up to three months can be made to allow the patient to find a prescriber at their destination. Two three month prescriptions would not be acceptable under current legislation. Patients who return to the UK for the purpose of obtaining medication, or who use a local proxy to request prescriptions on their behalf should be refused supply. Patients should be directed to local services in their country of residence with the offer of supplying appropriate medical notes and a list of current medicines to their qualified medical practitioner.

When a GP provides a prescription, they are responsible for any adverse events that occur as a result of taking the medicine, regardless of where the patient happens to be. So a doctor would be ill advised to prescribe for a patient who they know will out of the country. GPs are also required to deregister a patient who they know or suspect to be residing outside the UK for three months or more.

For further information on overseas travel please follow the link below:

Overseas travel guidance for patients (PDF)

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.

Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.