Patients taking medication on a regular basis are likely to be eligible for ‘repeat prescriptions’ (this is medication that can be ordered without having to speak to a GP or Nurse).
Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- Using GP Online Services (GPOS) – there are a number of GPOS providers to choose from, popular ones amongst our patients are the NHS App and Patient Access. More information about GPOS is available on the Online Services page of this website.
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- submit a request using the Contact us online form.
- call our repeat prescription ordering automated system (call either the normal surgery number (02476 315432, opt. 2), 02476 640268, or 02475 102884) – this allow callers to order medication on repeat prescription using their phones keypad, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To use this system you will need to know your date-of-birth, a number that the surgery have recorded in your medical record (i.e. landline, mobile, work) and your six digit PIN (the first time you use this system you will be able to create your PIN).
- In very specific circumstances, a pharmacy may be able to order on your behalf – please speak to a member of surgery staff for more information (you can contact the surgery using the methods outlined on the Contact page of this website).
For medication that you have had previously, but is not a ‘repeat prescription’, this can be requested using methods 1,2 and 3 above, however it may be that you need an appointment before this medication can be prescribed – the surgery will contact you if this is the case.
Other Prescriptions information
Prescription requests take two working days to be processed regardless of ordering method (please take into account weekends and bank holidays).
Prescriptions required before two working days have passed will be dealt with on a case by case basis – please set reminders to order in the above timeframes to avoid disappointment.
On-the-day appointments should not be used if you have forgotten to order and run out of medication.
Prescriptions are sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy using the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). This service allows you to collect medication from a different pharmacy to your usual one on a temporary basis (e.g. if you are away from home (e.g. on holiday in England)).
If you wish to change your nominated pharmacy, ask your current pharmacy to ‘cancel your nomination; and ask your prospective pharmacy to sign you up to the EPS.
The surgery has no control over how long it takes your pharmacy to prepare your prescribed medication.
Medication on repeat prescription needs to regularly reviewed (normally every three / six / 12 months); the surgery will contact you when you are due a review but please then make an appointment for your review before you are due to order.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it.
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:
- on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- at your GP practice
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
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.
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.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from. 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.