Non-urgent advice: Notice
We have noticed that some pharmacies have been advising patients that prescriptions have not been received, when actually this is sitting in the dispensary queue at the chemist awaiting dispensing. When collecting your medication it is worth asking whether they have checked their systems. The practice uses an electronic signing prescription service which speeds this process up dramatically and a full audit trail can be viewed.
Following the recent closure of Lloyds Pharmacy in Sainsburys, local chemists are extremely busy and have requested seven days notice to dispense routine prescriptions.
If registered at Munro Medical Centre and have nominated West Elloe Pharmacy, please be aware that although they share the same site as Munro Medical Centre, they are an independent pharmacy with no affiliation to the practice.
Always approach your pharmacy first.
Electronic Prescriptions
Most prescriptions are now signed, sent and processed electronically.
Dispensing patients, i.e. living out of the Spalding area will still need to collect from the surgery dispensary allowing 48 hours after request (2 working days after request).
You have 2 choices for how this works:
- You can choose a pharmacy or dispenser to dispense all your prescriptions. When you get a prescription, it will be sent electronically to the dispenser you have chosen. You can collect your medicines or appliances without having to hand in a paper prescription.
- You can decide each time you are issued a prescription where you would like it to be dispensed. When you are issued a prescription, you will be given a paper copy that you can take to any pharmacy or other dispenser in England. The paper copy will contain a unique barcode that will be scanned to download your prescription from the secure NHS database.
Paper prescriptions will continue to be available in special circumstances, but almost all prescriptions will be processed electronically.
Choosing a pharmacy or other dispenser
If you get regular prescriptions or are already using a prescription collection service (where a pharmacy collects prescriptions from your GP practice for you) then choosing a pharmacy to dispense all your prescriptions may save you time by avoiding unnecessary trips to your GP.
You will still order your repeat prescriptions in the same way as you do now, but your prescriptions will be sent electronically to the pharmacy or dispenser of your choice.
You will not have to collect a paper repeat prescription from your GP practice.
Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser
You can change or cancel your choice of dispenser at any time. Simply speak to your GP or pharmacist before you order your next prescription.
You should allow time for the update to take place to avoid your next prescription being sent to the wrong place.
For more information, please speak to our dispensing team, whether you are a dispensing patient or not, or visit nhs.uk/eps
Ordering Repeat Medication
You can order repeat medication via the NHS APP, online if you are registered (please bring ID and ask at Reception next time you are in the surgery if you are not), or alternatively by dropping a repeat request into the surgery.
Please allow 2 full working days for your prescription to be processed and be advised that for weekends and Bank Holidays we will require an extra day. (Please allow 7 days if you collect from a Pharmacy). Please note that weekends and public holidays do not count as a working day.
Please note we do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone due to the potential for errors.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a Healthcare professional 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 in an effort to make prescribing safe.
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): £9.65
- 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60
- 3-month PPC: £31.25
- HRT for 12 months £19.30
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