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)
  • 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:

  • fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
  • bring the paper form to the surgery, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6.30pm

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

Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take weekends and bank holidays into account.

Please do not request your repeat medication more than 5 working days before it is due as the computer system will reject requests made too early.

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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

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.

For more information, please click here.

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 fill in our medication query form.

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip. You will need to book a review appointment with reception when any of your medications on repeat prescription has only 1 issue remaining (see your repeat slip for details). Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.

When making the appointment, please ask the receptionist whether a blood test is needed beforehand. If it is, reception will ensure that the necessary form is available for collection in 2 days’ time.

You will need to have your blood test done at least 3 days before your medication review.

At the medication review, the doctor or nurse will ensure that the new review dates are identical for all medications on repeat prescription unless there are exceptional circumstances.

These new review dates will either be 6 or 12 months hence depending on the results of the blood test.

Batch prescribing for stable conditions

If you (or someone you are a carer for) uses the same medicines regularly, you may be able to benefit from electronic repeat prescriptions, also described as batch prescribing.

If your condition is stable, then you may be able to have your prescription dispensed automatically from your nominated pharmacy, reducing the need to call or visit the surgery. NHS protocols for this initiative allow GPs to issue batches of prescriptions for anything up to 12 months at a time, depending on your condition.

The idea is simple. If you are on a stable regimen, then your GP sends a batch of prescriptions electronically to your chosen pharmacist who then dispenses them automatically at regular intervals. You do not need to re-order. They should be ready in the week before your supply runs out and many pharmacies will send you a text message to say when they can be collected. The pharmacy will also inform the patient when they need to arrange a medication review at the surgery.

If your medication is suitable (not all drugs are) then you will need to set it up with your doctor. You should contact Reception for further details.  You can find more details at NHS digital.

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 into 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.

Prescription fees

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
  • More information is available at NHS Choices

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

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
  • General Public – Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.