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)
completing a repeat medication request slip (available at reception)
sending us the white (right hand side of your prescription) slip
using the GP online system: SystmOnline

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

For safety reasons, practice staff are not allowed to take requests over the telephone, except in exceptional circumstances, which must be agreed by your Doctor.
We may not always be able to agree to your prescription request, and in these circumstances the Surgery will contact you by telephone or by post

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 4 working days after you have ordered it.

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 the practice
at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Prescription processing & pharmacy timelines

When submitting a routine prescription request please note the table below for timings:

Day prescription submitted to the practice	Day prescription will sent to pharmacy
Monday	Friday
Tuesday	Monday
Wednesday	Tuesday
Thursday	Wednesday
Friday	Thursday
Saturday	Thursday
Sunday	Thursday

Drug shortages are impacting prescriptions and high demand in pharmacies. There may be a delay once your prescription is received at your nominated pharmacy. Therefore please check with your pharmacy if you are concerned about waiting times.

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

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

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.

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 still need to speak to a member of our team about your prescription, please call the surgery after 11:30 am.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I have lost my white slip?

You can request your prescription on a special slip available at Reception. It is essential that we always receive your request in writing.

When should I stop taking your medication?

When you are unwell with any of the following:
– Vomiting or diarrhoea (unless only minor)
– Fevers, sweats shaking

You should STOP taking the medicines listed below. Restart when you are well (after 24-48 hours of eating and drinking normally). If you are in any doubt, please contact us or your pharmacist.
– ACE Inhibitors: medicine names ending in ‘pril’ e.g. lisinopril, perindopril, ramipril
– ARBs: medicine names ending in ‘sartan’ e.g. losartan, candesartan, valsartan
– NSAIDs: anti-inflammatory pain killers e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen
– Diuretics: sometimes called ‘water pills’ e.g. furosemide, spironolactone, indapamide, bendroflumethiazide
– Metformin: a medicine for diabetes

What do I 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.

May I ask the pharmacist to collect my prescription?

Yes. Many pharmacists run a ‘Repeat Prescription Collection’ service. Please speak to your pharmacist for information regarding the scheme.

What if I need my medication urgently?

If you have run out of medication, a Prescription may be able to be issued urgently, but this cannot be guaranteed. This will depend upon a Doctor being available to sign it. Please be patient with our staff as you may have to wait and please try and keep these requests to a minimum. A short emergency supply (5 days) of your usual medicines may be available from your usual Pharmacist without a prescription.

How do I get new medication that the hospital has recommended?

If you have seen a Specialist or have been in hospital your medication may have been changed. The hospital should have supplied you with an adequate supply of medicine e.g. 1 months supply. If the hospital has given you a letter please let us see it, as soon as possible, as it will contain the information we need to change your repeat prescription.

What happens when my medication has ‘Reauthorisation Required’ written next to it?

If your medication needs re-authorising you may need to allow extra time for this to be checked by your doctor. You may be asked to make an appointment to have your treatment reviewed if you have not seen the Doctor for some time.