Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions are generated by computer, subject to your written (using the white section of your exiting prescription or by completing the repeat prescription request form available in the reception area of the surgery) or online request.

In order to be able to request your repeat prescription online, via the link at the top of this page, you must register for this service in person at the surgery. Read more

To avoid errors, we ask receptionists not to take prescription requests over the telephone.

We work with a number of local chemists who collect prescriptions from us daily or every other day, who will deliver your prescribed medication to you. This is subject to a contractual arrangement between you and the chemist. It is your responsibility to agree this arrangement. Once agreed you should inform the reception staff of that arrangement as you should if it changes.

You may send your prescription request by post including a stamped address envelope, however the practice cannot take any repsonsibility for delayed or lost post by Royal Mail.

Alternatively you may pick up your prescription from the surgery in person within 48 hours of submitting your request.

Medication Reviews

Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

From 21^st July 2016 the GPs working here will be able to produce and transmit a prescription to a pharmacy you have nominated with no need to produce a paper prescription.  However you will still be able to have a paper prescription if you want one.

The Electronic Prescription Service (or EPS) will allow you to collect your medications from a pharmacy at a location convenient to you; it could be near your place of work, for example.

If you wish to join in this scheme please go to your preferred pharmacy and let them know you want them to be your nominated pharmacy. They will then register your details and we will know that you have joined the EPS scheme.

If you have already nominated a pharmacy please remember that from 21^st July 2016 your prescriptions will automatically be sent to this pharmacy unless you ask us to do otherwise. If you are unsure whether you have a nominated pharmacy please check with your pharmacy.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

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.

• Prescription (per item): £8.05
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £104.00
• 3-month PPC: £29.10

If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website

Medicine Wastage

Wastage currently costs the NHS about £300 million each year, which could be used to fund other health services. Everyone has a part to play in reducing the level of wastage and a number of recommendations have been made to GPs such as encouraging them to spend more time with patients discussing their medicine and to prescribe more efficiently using the Repeat Dispensing System.

The independent health and adult social care watchdog (B&H LINk) urges patients who take medicine to:

• Only order what you need
• Arrange a discussion with your pharmacist about your medicine (Medicine Check Up/Medicine Use Review) which is free and only takes about 20 minutes.
• Check what you have at home before re-ordering more medicine
• If you have stopped taking your medicine, let your GP know
• If you go into hospital, remember to take all your medicine with you
• Always take medicine back to a pharmacy for safe disposal

The LINk has also produced some useful information for patients on the MCU and Tips and Tricks to help patients remember to take their medicine. If you would like any of these leaflets please contact the LINk office on 01273 810 235 or see the LINk website.