Prescription Information

Prescriptions Ordering Changes

There has been an important change in our prescription ordering process effective from Monday, 29th April 2024.

Starting from this date, we are longer accepting prescriptions via email, over the telephone, or verbally at reception. Instead, we have implemented new methods to streamline the process and improve efficiency for everyone.

 

Repeat Prescriptions

Your repeat prescriptions are the medications on your Repeat List. These are the medications we want you to take regularly and as such they are on a recurring script for you to get from your Pharmacy.

If you are on regular medication and your GP feels that your medicines can be repeated without seeing you each time, you will be given a repeat prescription request slip with your prescription. The prescription form is in two halves – one to collect medicine now (A-side) and the other for ordering the repeat (B-side). This is the half you should tear off and keep.

Please note that we are a 28-day Prescribing Practice. This means that we will not prescribe more than 30 days worth of tablets at a time on a repeat prescription. Prescriptions for acute (immediate, short-term) issues are treated differently so you may receive a prescription covering a longer period of time. 

Please note you can order your prescription up to 10 days in advance and allow 3 working days for your prescription to be issued. 

Any medication requests made more than 10 days in advance will be rejected and you will be required to request your medications again when due. 

You will need to request your repeat prescriptions directly through your GP practice – not through your pharmacy or appliance contractor. If you already order repeat prescriptions directly through your GP practice, this will not affect you.

 

You can now request prescriptions using the following methods:

1. Online Ordering:

Utilise the NHS App to request and view repeat prescriptions. Simply log in to your NHS App account to get started. If you haven't already, you can download and register on the app. For those without smartphones, a desktop version is available. You can find more information in the attached ‘NHS App Quick Start Guide’ and ‘NHS App Repeat Prescriptions’ leaflet or by visiting www.nhs.uk/helpmeapp.

Alternatively, you can use SystmOnline. Visit https://systmonline.tpp-uk.com/ to order your prescriptions quickly and securely.

This is by far the safest and quickest method of ordering and is available 24/7 even when the surgery is closed.

2. Ordering in the Surgery:

Bring your prescription slip to the surgery or complete a prescription order form in the designated area in reception. This can then be placed in the confidential prescription box in reception.

 

3. Ordering by Post or via our Letter Box:

You can post your prescription slip to us or put it in the letter box provided outside. If you need us to post your prescription to you, please provide a stamped addressed envelope.

It takes us 3 working days to receive a request, check that it is right, make sure the correct medication then gets sent to the Pharmacy of your choice. We have a dedicated Medication team who handle the prescriptions, the ordering, re-ordering and changing the medications in line with the advice from our Specialist colleagues at the Hospital.

Order your repeat medication online. Download the NHS app by clicking the image below:

When will my Repeat Prescription be ready?

Please allow 72 hours for collection (three working days). This does not include weekends. This may take longer should your medications need to be reviewed by your Doctor. We will accept prescription requests up to 10 days before they are required. If you require your medication early due to holidays, please note this on your request form.

What if the medication I want to request isn’t on my Repeat Prescription list?

You can still request medication that isn’t on your repeat prescription list by completing a prescription request form at reception or simply write your name, date of birth and the name of the medications you require on a piece of paper. This however will take longer than 72 hours and may require an appointment or telephone consultation with a GP.

Please Note: If you require a further prescription for your contraceptive medication, you will need to have a ‘Pill Check’ with the practice nurse before the medication can be issued.

Where can I collect my Prescription from?

Prescriptions can be collected from the reception desk. Alternatively:

  • If your prescription goes via EPS (Electronic Prescription Service) then you can collect if from your nominated pharmacy. Please see below for further information.
  • If you provide a stamped, addressed envelope, we can post your prescription back to you.
  • Many chemists in the area offer a collection and delivery service and can also order your medication for you. Please contact them for more information.

What is the Electronic Prescription Service?

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is a new NHS service that allows your GP to send your prescription(s) directly to your chosen pharmacy. This means that you can choose to have a paper-free prescription. 

Electronic Prescriptions may be particularly useful to patients who have a repeat prescription but don’t want to collect it from the surgery every time. It may be more convenient for you to use a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.

If you wish to use EPS please confirm which pharmacy you wish to nominate with reception in order for us to be able to send your prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy of choice.

My Prescription says my medication review is due. What do I need to do?

Please book in a medication review with one of our care navigators. 

Please note that if your medication review has become overdue, it may take longer than 48 hours to process.

Urgent Prescriptions

If you have run out of medication or need a prescription quickly, please speak to the receptionist and we will do our very best to help.

If you are on long-term medication you will be given a computerised prescription re-order slip. This allows you to re-order repeat medication without seeing the Doctor every time. After a period as agreed with your doctor (usually 12 months) you will need a review of your medication and usually of your condition as well.

This may involve an appointment with the our pharmacist  or a member of the Clinical team to check with you that all is well before further prescriptions are issued. You may need a blood test or blood pressure check.

If we are closed, you are usually able to get an emergency supply of medication from your local chemist or you can contact 111 who should be able to help.

Holiday Prescription Requests

If you are going on holiday and need your prescription early. Please write this on your prescription and we will do our best to help you.

Please note British prescriptions can only be used at chemists and pharmacies in this country. Please make sure you get your medications before you travel and take the extra with you. The NHS allows us to do this for up to 12 weeks.

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Medication is expensive, so there are several ways to help with the cost. Please check with your Pharmacist for more details or visit GOV.uk.

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 The Department of Health has decided is reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) can offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

Prescribing over-the-counter medicines

The NHS prescription commissioning guidance has changed. As part of its efforts to save the NHS money, NHS England guidance advises GP's to reduce prescribing over-the-counter medicines. See the full NHS England guidance Here

Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs)

A PPC lets you get as many NHS prescriptions as you need for a set price.

If you regularly pay prescription charges, a PPC could save you money. The prescription charge in England is £9.90 per item. A PPC costs:

  • £32.05 for 3 months
  • £114.50 for 12 months
  • The quickest way to buy a PPC is to buy it online.