Prescriptions

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: Accurx

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
• bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6pm

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 72 hours (excluding weekends and Bank Holidays) after you have ordered it.

If you are collecting your prescription from a named pharmacy please allow at least a week (excluding weekends and Bank Holidays) before collection.

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.

• Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

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

• fill in our medication query form.

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

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

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

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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Converting Private Prescriptions to NHS

If you have been given a private prescription by a consultant you have seen, the GP will decide if it is clinically appropriate to convert this into an NHS prescription. We will not issue medications without a clear written prescription and a letter from the consultant.

The doctor must agree with the treatment as they take clinical responsibility for signing it. With certain medications the consultant needs to be responsible initially, until the patient is stabilised on the medication.  In some cases the GP may not feel happy to issue the prescription and the private or hospital prescription will be returned.

Please be aware we are an NHS practice and are governed by local prescribing policies which change from time to time.

Therefore private prescriptions will be dealt with within the same timescale as normal repeat prescriptions (72 Hours)