Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • Online
    The safest and easiest way to request repeat prescriptions is by using the online service via SystmOnline
  • In Person
    By ticking the medication(s) you require on the “tear off slip” and handing it in at reception
  • In Person
    By asking at the front desk using our “prescription request” form
  • By post
    Send your request to Lister House, 473/5 Dunstable Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 8DG

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

Please ensure that the items you require are requested clearly by ticking the appropriate box on the repeat request form, or if you do not have a repeat request form, please ensure that your name, address and the items you require are clearly indicated on our request form.

Collecting your prescription

In order to process the large number of requests each day please note that 3 working days is required for repeat prescription requests. The schedule for ordering and collection is:

  • Order on Monday, collect on Thursday after 15:00
  • Order on Tuesday, collect on Friday after 15:00
  • Order on Wednesday, collect on Monday after 15:00
  • Order on Thursday, collect on Tuesday after 15:00
  • Order on Friday, collect on Wednesday after 15:00

In the event of a Bank Holiday this will take longer.

If you request your prescription more than 7 days before the due date it will be rejected

Patients should be aware that most pharmacies can now arrange for patients’ prescriptions to be collected from the practice on their behalf. To arrange this, please contact your own pharmacist directly. Prescription charges and exemptions.

Emergency prescription requests

Emergency prescription request are request for medication which you need within 24 hours to prevent you becoming severely unwell. Emergency medications include:

  • Epileptic medications
  • Insulin
  • Inhalers for lung conditions
  • Emergency contraception
  • EpiPen for anaphylaxis.

Emergency prescription requests are not requests for medication which have been ordered late. You should allow 72 working hours for routine repeat prescription requests.

Please respect our staff, as it is your responsibility to ensure that your repeat prescription request is ordered in plenty of time.

Ordering non-repeat prescriptions

If you have an ongoing problem and would like another prescription of a medication previously prescribed to you by the doctor you may request another script. Please let us know the reason for your request and a contact number, in order for the doctor to review your request. Non-repeat medication request will take over 72 working hours to process and the doctor may wish to speak with you.

Further Information

New patient prescriptions

Welcome to The Surgery, if you normally take regular repeat medication please let us know by:

  • Giving us a copy of your repeat prescription slip
  • Enter your regular prescription in your registration form and request it through the surgery dashboard
  • Give us a copy of your medication label on your medication box or bottle which has your name, medication dosage and date

We will automatically put this on your repeat prescription here at The Surgery.

Please allow 72 hours for a prescription request.

We may require further information before prescribing drugs likely to abuse and or controlled drugs.

Electronic Repeat Dispensing (eRD)

If you or someone you care for, use the same medicine regularly, you may be able to benefit from electronic repeat dispensing of your repeat prescriptions. This means you won’t have to re-order or collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP practice every time you need more medicine.
Your GP sends a series of repeat prescriptions to your pharmacy in one go, so there’s no need for you to order them each time. It’s reliable, secure, and confidential. Your regular prescriptions are stored securely on the NHS database, so they’ll be ready at the pharmacy each time you need them.

Benefits of eRD:
– save time by avoiding unnecessary trips or calls to your GP every time you need to order a repeat prescription.
– order or cancel your repeat prescriptions online.
– pick up your repeat prescriptions directly from your pharmacy without having to visit your GP.
– spend less time waiting for your prescription in the pharmacy or GP practice.
– You won’t need a paper prescription to collect your medicine from the pharmacy.
Any patient with a repeat prescription could be suitable for electronic repeat dispensing, especially if you have/are:
– on stable therapy
– with long-term conditions
– on multiple therapies, e.g. for hypertension, diabetes, asthma etc.
– self-managed seasonal conditions.

eRD is unsuitable in the following situations:
– Complex medication regimes
– Medicines requiring frequent changes to drug therapy.
– Unstable medical condition and/or recent history of frequent admissions to hospital.
– Those requiring regular review (3 monthly or more frequent)
– Those requiring terminal/palliative care.
– Those in residential institutions, e.g. care homes.
– Those who decline to consent or nominate a pharmacy.
– People who are drug misusers

eRD is unsuitable for people on the following medications:
– controlled drugs (including temazepam, tramadol, gabapentin and pregabalin).
– Benzodiazepines
– Hypnotics
– drugs which require close and careful monitoring, e.g. methotrexate
– unlicensed medicines
It’s really easy to sign up for eRD – just ask your GP or pharmacist to set it up for you.

Local Pharmacies

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.

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. 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.