Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

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

You can also:

  • fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
  • bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

We understand that flying can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for many individuals. After carefully consideration we must inform all patients that we are unable to prescribe benzodiazepines for this purpose. There are several important reasons for this decision:

Safety Concerns
Benzodiazepines can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. These side effects can be particularly problematic in an airport or airplane setting where alertness and mobility are important for your safety. If there is an emergency during the flight it may impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions and react to the situation. This could have serious safety consequences for you and those around you

Risk of Dependence and Misuse
Benzodiazepines carry a risk of dependence, especially with repeated use. It is important to avoid using these medications for situations where non-pharmacological strategies can be effective.

Effectiveness of Alternative Approaches
There are several non-medication strategies that have been shown to be effective in managing flight-related anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very helpful. Additionally, some patients find relief with over-the-counter remedies or natural supplements, though it is important to discuss these with a healthcare professional.

Medical Guidelines
Current medical guidelines recommend against the use of benzodiazepines for situational anxiety due to the reasons mentioned above. According to the prescribing guidelines doctors follow (BNF) Benzodiazepines are contraindicated (not allowed) in phobia. Your doctor is taking a significant legal risk by prescribing against these guidelines. It is our goal to provide care that is safe and in line with best practices.

There are resources available for patients available online:
– Easy Jet www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com Tel 0203 8131644
– British Airways www.flyingwithconfidence.com Tel 01252 793250
– Virgin www.flyingwithoutfear.co.uk Tel 01423 714900

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 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 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 us about your medication please call  01924 552200 after 10am.

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).

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

Under the government scheme Pharmacy First, pharmacists are now able to prescribe for the following without the need to see your GP

  • Ear ache  – 1- 17 years
  • Impetigo – 1 year and over
  • Infected insect bites – 1 year and over
  • Shingles – 18 years and over
  • Sinusitis – 12 years and over
  • Sore throat – 5 years and over
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – women 16-64 years

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.