Repeat Prescription

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)

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

You can also:

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

All prescription requests are required to be submitted in writing with the patient providing the full name and strength of the medications required. This is to ensure correct prescribing and avoid medicinal mistakes or wastage.

We would encourage all patients to use one of the paperless methods of requesting their prescriptions for the following reasons:

  • paper gets mislaid
  • data protection
  • patient not aware if the request has been received
  • no audit trail
  • a more eco-friendly way to request medications

Things to note when ordering

Please ensure you give the exact drug names when ordering.

Some medications have to be ordered in and during Christmas/ Easter/ Bank holidays, it make take a little longer for prescriptions to be done. Please bear this in mind and order a little earlier. 

If you are requesting medication a little earlier than normal please indicate why i.e. going on holiday.

When you receive your new prescription please check for any messages, i.e. to be seen before next repeat, to attend for blood pressure check, to attend for blood test etc.

Please note, whilst Headcorn surgery branch share a building, Headcorn pharmacy is a completely separate business.

Warning advice: Collecting your prescription

The surgery requires three working days to process your prescription request from receipt of an accurate and complete request to the approved, signed prescription being sent to the nominated pharmacy. Please allow additional time for your nominated pharmacy to obtain and dispense your medications.

Medication Reviews

From time to time we will ask you to see your doctor, nurse practitioner or clinical pharmacist to review your medication. We do this to monitor your illness and medication. If your doctor has issued you with a medication that can be repeated without seeing the doctor on the next occasion then this will be shown on the repeat medication slip which is attached to your prescription.

How to get a Repeat Prescription

If you think you may need a new prescription medicine, please make an appointment with the doctor to discuss your needs. Our Nurse Practitioner can also issue prescriptions. Your local pharmacist is also able to give you advice for non-prescription medication. 

If you have been issued a prescription following a private consultation, we may not be able to provide an NHS repeat prescription. Further information on this can be found on here

We have a computerised repeat prescription service. Repeat prescriptions are normally for patients with long-term conditions who receive regular treatment. Your doctor (or nurse practitioner) will decide who can have a repeat prescription. If you are in urgent need of medication, please make this clear on request but please bear in mind your nominated pharmacy may have to order in the medication and this can sometimes take a while.

Upon receipt of your request the prescription team will issue a prescription to the GP for signing and forwarding to your nominated pharmacy who will obtain and dispense your medications.