Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions

A repeat prescription is an item of medication that your GP allows you to re-order each month without a consultation being necessary. This item appears on your ‘repeats list’.

Please ask our staff at the prescriptions desk if you would like a copy of your list or are unsure what this is.

You can order repeat medication in the following ways

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
  • register for the Electronic Prescription Service – You should register and nominate a pharmacy for future dispensing. This pharmacy can be changed at any time to any pharmacy in ENGLAND. For more information, please see our EPS leaflet (PDF).
  • bring your completed request slip to the surgery – there is a ‘letterbox’ outside of the building where repeat requests can be dropped in 24/7 and prepared for collection later
Information:

Please do not call the appointments line to order prescriptions or for prescription enquiries.

Any item that is not on your repeat list can still be requested. Please note that this is a request and not a guarantee of supply.

Please do not expect your request to be dealt with immediately as we have over 9,000 prescription item requests every week to process.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

Any regular repeat medication requests will be forwarded to the chosen collection point within 3 working days. If ordering over a weekend or bank holiday, please be aware this will be processed during the following 3 working days.

Requests for medication not on your repeat list, will take up to 5 working days for a GP to action if deemed appropriate to do so.

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

Certain medication requires you to have regular blood pressure checks, blood tests or to attend specialist clinics. You will see on your repeat list how many repeats you have left by the number down the right hand column. When this figure reaches 0 you will need to complete one of the health review forms on our website which can be found here Online forms

We can also send an SMS message to you if we have access to your mobile phone number, to advise of any appointments required for your medication.

If your medication is reviewed by a hospital consultant or clinic, please request that all test results are forwarded to your GP so we are not required to duplicate tests. All medications require at least an annual review, even if you have not used all your authorised repeats from your GP.

Prescription administration staff are unable to change or review your medication, they are also unable to issue medication not signed/authorised by a GP.

Prescription charges

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

You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

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

Under the Pharmacy First scheme Pharmacies are now also able to prescribe medications for 7 common conditions:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

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.