- Repeat prescriptions are normally for patients with long-term conditions who receive regular treatment.
- Prescriptions cannot be ordered over the telephone with the practice.
- Please allow up to 5 working days after submitting your request before collecting your prescription from the surgery or your chosen chemist. If your request is submitted over the weekend please remember this will not be looked at until the next working day.
Change in Repeat Prescription Order Process
The way repeat prescriptions are ordered is changing. From 30th September 2024 all patients (who are able to do so) should order their own medication directly from the GP practice via the NHS App, NHS website or dropping off the repeat slip– instead of your local pharmacy doing this for you.
Why is This Changing?
Ordering your own prescriptions puts you in control. By only ordering the medicines you need, you can help to reduce waste and save money that can be spent on other NHS services. Plus, it’s quicker and easier to sort out any problems or get an answer to any queries because you’re dealing directly with your GP practice. Ordering medicines is even easier through the NHS App or NHS website, where you can track your requests as well. This adjustment is designed to create a more efficient audit trail for requests coming into our practice and to minimise any errors or delays previously associated with multiple channels.
What Happens Next?
From the 30th September 2024, it is your responsibility to order your prescriptions at least 5 working days before they are due. It is best to order your repeat prescription 7 days in advance, don’t wait until you’re just about to run out! It can take time for your request to be approved by your GP practice – especially during busy periods.
This can be done via:
We know that some patients may struggle to order their own repeat prescriptions. We will continue to work with local pharmacies and carers to support these patients.
If there are special circumstances that prevent you from ordering your prescription using the methods above, please call us to discuss the alternatives with the Prescription administrator between the hours of 10am to 12pm.
What is not changing?
If you already order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, NHS website, or GP practice you will not be affected and don’t need to do anything.
If you collect your medicine from your local pharmacy, or have it delivered to your door you can continue with these arrangements.
If you receive your medication through a monitored dosage system, for example a dosette box or a blister pack, this change will not affect you.
Electronic Repeat Dispensing
Ask our GP Practice or pharmacy about Electronic Repeat Dispensing. If you are on regular medications with up to date reviews and monitoring, you may be eligible for electronic repeat dispensing. It’s quick, easy and can save you time.
The NHS App/NHS website
Ordering online is one of the safest and easiest way to order your regular medicines and you can do this via the NHS App (or another online platform such as the Patient Access App).
The NHS App also allows you to order repeat prescriptions quickly and easily online, as well as access a range of NHS services such as viewing your GP health record and finding your NHS number.
The NHS App can be downloaded for free to your mobile phone via the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can find out more about the app at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app. Alternatively, you can set up an NHS account and log in at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/account if you do not have a smartphone, or would prefer not to download an app.
If you would like to order your repeat prescriptions online, but you’re struggling to set up the NHS App, you can contact us or your local pharmacy for advice and support.
If you do not wish to order online, you can still request your prescriptions as described above.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation during this transitional period. Your continued support means everything to us as we strive to provide you with the highest standard of care.
Thank you.
Try the NHS App
You can now use the NHS App, a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and your GP account on your smartphone or tablet.
You can use the NHS App to check your symptoms and get instant advice, order repeat prescriptions, access test results, view your GP medical record and more.
For more information go to www.nhs.uk/nhsapp
There are a number of ways to order a repeat prescription:
- Use the NHS app (which you can download here: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app)
- By writing a request by letter (please enclose a stamp addressed envelope)
- By clearly ticking the required items on a repeat re-order form and putting them in the practice mailboxes or handing them to a receptionist
- Through online health Services. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/online-health-and-prescription-services/
- Please provide the exact drug names wherever possible.
- Please state whether you would like the prescription held at reception for you to pick up, or sent to a specific chemist.
- Patients with some chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma will be seen regularly for monitoring of their condition. You will receive an invite by letter around the month of your birth month.
- Please tell us of any changes to your repeat prescription list made at the hospital or if you stop any medication by yourself
- Do not stockpile unwanted drugs at home – return them to your chemist
New Prescriptions
If you think you may need a new prescription for medicine, please make an appointment with the doctor. Please state clearly on your request which preferred chemist.
Prescription charges
Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).
The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.
NHS charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
Details of the current charges
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a pre payment certificate.
- The quickest way to order a PPC is online - Buy or Renew a PPC Online
- If you need help buying a PPC, call us on 0300 330 1341
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine or your prescription please contact the surgery.
Your local pharmacists can also answer any questions about your prescription. They can answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.
Find a pharmacy
NHS Medicines A to Z
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professionals, they 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
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.