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: SystmOnline
These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.
You can also:
- bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm
- post the paper form to the surgery
- several of the local pharmacies offer a ‘one stop service’; they will order and collect your prescription from us, then dispense your medication ready for you to collect from the pharmacy. From the 1st of may we will no longer be accepting online pharmacy requests for prescriptions as this causes delays for you to receive your medication, we therefore recommend you order your medication via the online services listed above.
We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email for safety reasons.
SystmOnline
Collecting your prescription
Please allow two working days for your prescription request to be processed by the surgery.
Prescriptions may be:
- Posted to you if you include an stamped, addressed envelope with your request
- Sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice; let us know and we can arrange for this for you. Please remember to ask the pharmacy how much additional time they need to dispense the medication after receipt of the prescription. Electronic prescriptions barcodes can be viewed in the NHSapp.
- Collected directly from the surgery during normal opening hours (Monday – Friday; 8.00am – 6.30pm)
Due to delays with the pharmacy dispensing medication, we advise that you request your medication up to 2 weeks in advance of when they are due to run out. Please be aware that the pharmacy can take up to 7 days to dispense medication.
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 (NHSapp, SystmOnline or Airmid)
- 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.
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- phone our pharmacist after 10am on 01249 444343.
- 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
NHS Charges
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
- Prescription (per item): £9.65
- 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
- 3-month PPC: £31.25
- HRT PPC: £19.30
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months or more than 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.
- Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
- Buy or renew a PPC online
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.
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.
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.
Medication Synchronisation
The aim of medication synchronisation is to order all of your repeat medication at the same time each month, rather than multiple requests throughout the month. Synchronising to birthday month saves time for you, your GP and pharmacy staff.
To initiate the synchronisation of your medication, when you next need to request an item on repeat, count all the tablets you have and annotate the table accordingly. Your GP will issue a “one-off” prescription of the tablets you need to synchronise all your medication to within a day or two.
Once we have synchronised your medication, we will send you a confirmation of this.
Please complete the form below and submit it with your next repeat prescription if you wish to take advantage of this service.
Electronic Prescribing Service
This practice is set up for the electronic prescription service.
This means that for most patients we can send your prescription to your chosen chemist directly saving you having to come down to the surgery.
To get your prescription sent to your chosen pharmacy you will have to ask reception to sign up.