Ordering repeat prescriptions
We advise you order your prescription 5 working days before you are due to run out. If you order too early your prescription will not be processed and if you order too late your prescription may not be ready in time.
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- in writing, either by post, handing to reception or posting through our letter box
We cannot accept prescription requests via telephone.
Collecting Your Prescription
All prescription requests take the surgery two working days to process. There may be occasions where this takes longer if a query needs to be passed to your GP or if you are overdue your medication review.
You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from as all prescriptions are sent electronically. We call this nominating a pharmacy.
Your pharmacy will need time to process your prescription once they have received it.
If you want to change your nominated pharmacy, you can do this at any time:
- On the app of website that you order your repeat prescription on
- 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)
Private prescriptions
Private prescriptions are medication which your private doctor has recommended for you on a private prescription. A private prescription is not written on an official NHS prescription and so is not paid for by the NHS.
The cost of a private prescription is met wholly by the patient and is dictated by the cost of the medicine plus the pharmacists charge for supplying it. A prescription is a legal document for which the doctor, who has issued and signed it, is responsible for. Therefore, a NHS doctor cannot convert a private prescription to an NHS prescription. A doctor you see privately can’t issue an NHS prescription. A GP in the surgery at which you are registered can only provide a private prescription if the drug is not available on the NHS.
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, you will need an annual medication review. The date of when your review is due will be on your prescription and we will remind you nearer the time. If your medication review is not booked and you become overdue, we may have to reduce your medication supply for safety reasons. Most of our reviews are carried out by our practice Clinical Pharmacists or Specialist Nurses and you may need tests (such as blood tests) prior to your review.
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 your toilet.
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professions, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illness such as:
- Coughs
- Colds
- Sore throats
- Tummy trouble
- Aches and pains
A lot of medicines can no longer be prescribed and should be bought over the counter. Your Pharmacist can advise you what to take.
Why can’t I get a prescription for an over the counter medicine? – NHS (www.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.
If you require an emergency repeat prescription and the surgery is closed, visit Emergency prescriptions – NHS (www.nhs.uk) for more information.